Getting pulled over and penalized for distracted driving will likely increase your vehicle insurance premiums. Your insurance premium may increase following a traffic ticket, but it’s rather typical for drivers to notice a rise in their premiums.
A ticket for distracted driving can affect more than just your auto insurance rates and driving record. You can check their website for your auto insurance.
What exactly is meant by “distracted driving?”
This type of driving happens when a driver’s attention wanders from the road to something else in the car—using a cell phone while driving significantly contributes to driver distraction. Intentionally or unintentionally, drivers are becoming increasingly distracted by electronic devices, even if only for a fraction of a second at a time.
Common Distractions While Driving
Behind the wheel, many distractions are vying for your attention. Recognizing and actively ignoring distractions requires understanding the types of distractions you face. Ten of the more prevalent ones are listed here.
Texting
One of the most prevalent distractions is texting, and it’s also one of the most dangerous because it causes drivers to take their attention away from the road in all three dimensions. Studies have shown that texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be in an accident.
Millions of people continue to use their phones while driving despite widespread awareness of the risks. One-third of drivers responding to a AAA study said they have sent a text or email while behind the wheel.
Making phone calls
You can now use various hands-free methods to drive and converse on the phone. During a typical daylight moment in 2018, nearly half a million motorists have their phones to their ears. Many motorists now use a mobile phone, either manually or via a hands-free system. Despite our assurances, the National Safety Council warns that hands-free is not entirely risk-free.
Consuming Food, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Unfortunately, 70% acknowledged eating, and 83% admitted drinking liquids while behind the wheel, increasing their chance of a collision by 80%.
Personal care, including laundry and wardrobe changes
We’ve all seen drivers who are also doing makeup, doing hair, or lint-rolling their garments. Putting on cosmetics triples the danger of an accident. Changing an article of clothing is even riskier because it requires you to take both hands off the wheel, increasing the likelihood that you will become trapped just when you need one of them.
Changing the radio station, the temperature, or the location using GPS
More and more cars are equipped with infotainment systems that provide quick and easy access to satellite radio, mobile music streaming services, and virtual assistant programs. There was a significant increase from 2013 to 2019 in the percentage of new cars sold having a touchscreen installed (82% vs. 53%).
Even though modern systems are more convenient than the previous CD players and radios with knobs, they also carry new dangers. According to the research, using these devices diverts attention from safe driving and requires a higher mental effort.
When driving, why is it so crucial that you don’t multitask?
Driving while distracted is dangerous and could cause an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared that texting while driving is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
If you take your eyes off the road, even for a second, you could easily miss someone slamming on their brakes or pulling out in front of you. Driving safely requires avoiding distractions like texting and driving, maintaining a phone conversation, and applying makeup while behind the wheel.
Controlling Distractions While Driving
Some automakers have implemented systems that make it impossible to send or receive texts while behind the wheel, such as a cellphone blocker. In addition, there are gadgets and software available that can prevent drivers from using their phones.
There are easy things drivers may do to maintain focus when behind the wheel. Investing in a car mount for your cell phone will allow you to make calls safely and use navigation apps without having to remove your hands from the wheel.
In addition, the modern automobile makes it simple to link your mobile device to the car’s audio system, allowing you to answer calls, play music, and read text messages hands-free. If you find it difficult to refrain from texting while driving, try placing your phone in a handbag or bag where you won’t be able to get to it until you’ve stopped.
Conclusion
Each state determines what information must be included and excluded from driving records. Depending on the state, violations may be assigned points or merely noted as infractions. In light of this, you must get familiar with the laws concerning distracted driving in your state.
A first violation is not likely to show up on your record or result in points, but subsequent offenses and at-fault accidents almost certainly will. Accidents caused by distracted driving will appear on your DMV record and rapidly affect your car insurance premiums.
