Blog Post  April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for almost 3,450 deaths in 2016. Distracted driving is categorized by NHTSA as “any activity that prevents you from giving your full attention to the activity of driving while behind the wheel.”

Distracted driving can also lead to non-fatal accidents that can significantly increase the amount that you pay for auto insurance. In fact, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners auto insurance premiums have increased 16% since 2011, correlating with the increase in distracted driving accidents.

Ways to help prevent distracted driving:

• Keep your cell phone out of sight while driving.
• Never text and drive.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Set up your car’s hands-free controls.
• Avoid activities such as personal grooming, eating/drinking, tending to pets or children.
• Program your GPS ahead of time.
• Consider downloading APPs that encourage safer driving.

If you have questions about your auto insurance coverage, contact your insurer or view some common auto insurance questions on the Division of Insurance’s website.

For more tips to avoid distracted driving, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.