The Perils of Distracted Driving
At AMC Insurance we are committed to promoting safer driving habits. We offer comprehensive auto insurance that provides protection against all types of risks.
Distracted driving is a serious safety concern with the potential to cause life-altering injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2020 alone(1). That’s why it’s essential for drivers of all ages and experience levels to understand the risks associated with this behavior and practice safe driving habits.
Drivers need to be aware that any activity that takes their attention away from the road can be considered a distraction. This includes texting, using a GPS, eating, drinking, smoking, grooming, reading maps or using any type of electronic device such as an ebook reader. According to NHTSA research from 2017, 11% of drivers between 15 and 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash(2).
To help ensure everyone’s safety on the road, here are some simple tips for avoiding distractions while driving:
Put your phone away – Out of sight out of mind right? Ensure your phone is switched off or placed somewhere you can’t reach it while driving so you don’t have the temptation to check it while behind the wheel.
Avoid eating or drinking – Having a snack while on your way is tempting but can be dangerous if you take your attention away from the road for even just a few seconds. Wait until you arrive safely at your destination before digging into that bag of chips!
Designate a driver – If you’re going out with friends make sure there is someone who agrees not to drink alcoholic beverages so they can drive everyone home safely at the end of the night.
Keep passengers entertained – Talking with passengers is one thing but having them screaming because they saw something outside can definitely be distracting! Make sure children in particular are kept occupied during long car trips with books, toys and games that keep them seated and quiet rather than running around in their seats (not to mention incredibly dangerous!).
Plan ahead – If you know where you need to go consider planning out your route beforehand and familiarize yourself so you don’t need to stop along your way and check maps or find directions which could lead to distractions while driving!
At the end of the day no text message or call is worth risking your life over or putting other people at risk either due to careless behavior. So next time you get behind the wheel make sure that nothing gets between you and being safe on our roads!
At AMC Insurance we are committed to promoting safer driving habits amongst our customers in order to reduce needless accidents caused by distractions behind the wheel. We offer comprehensive auto insurance packages that provide protection against all types of risks while on the road but we also want our customers to exercise common sense and take proactive steps towards protecting themselves and others through better decisions while operating motor vehicles. As such, we encourage all drivers regardless of who insures them to be mindful about avoiding distraction whenever possible and remain focused on safe driving practices at all times.
References:
- Stewart, T. (2022, March). Overview of motor vehicle crashes in 2020 (Report No. DOT HS 813
266). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. - National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2019, April). Distracted driving in fatal crashes, 2017. (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 812 700). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
