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Distracted Driving: Put Down the iPod

posted by AskPatty - Auto Advice
Friday, May 15, 2009 at 2:48pm CDT

By now we all know that talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving is dangerous. But what about other things that distract us from driving safely?

Are You Guilty of Distracted Driving?

Yes, we all are. Remember all those “Red Asphalt” movies we were forced to watch back in Driver’s Ed? Remember how they said looking away from the road for 5 seconds was enough time for a kid to chase his ball out in front of your car? Playing with the radio, changing CDs, or fiddling with an iPod takes our eyes off the road. So does taking a sip of your morning coffee, or texting your sister. Ever take Spot with you to the store? Drive the kids to Grandma’s?

These are just the more common driving distractions. How many infuriating times have you driven passed someone who is reading a book while driving? Or doing make-up, or shaving? While these may sound ridiculous, they do happen, and these drivers put every other car around them in danger.

Distracted Driving Means More Accidents
Did you know that reaching for a falling cup while you’re driving increases the risk of a crash or near-crash 9 times? Talking on a hand-held cell phone only increases the crash risk 1.3 times, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Driver distraction was involved in almost 80% of car crashes and 65% of near-crashes according to an April 2006 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even with a safe car, taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds increases your chances of being involved in a car accident.

Distracted Driving Means Higher Car Insurance Rates
A major factor that goes into determining your car insurance rates is your driving record. With a good driving record you are seen by car insurance companies as less of a risk and you will pay lower car insurance rates. The opposite is true of a bad driving record. Having accidents and tickets on your record can increase your car insurance rates since the car insurance company sees you as more of a risk and therefore more expensive to insure.

Paying close attention to the road keeps everyone safe. Be prepared for possible accidents with a good car insurance policy. Compare multiple car insurance quotes quickly at the AskPatty Car Insurance Center.

Gina M. Scott is a Web writer and blogger for InsWeb. She has worked as a Web writer and journalist for three years, covering a variety of topics such as technology, government, and cyber security, since graduating from Sacramento State University with a BA in English—professional and creative writing. She now specializes in auto, home, term life, health and other insurance topics for www.InsWeb.com. Born and raised in Northern California, Gina enjoys traveling and creative writing.

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