Recently, members of the Congress and Federal insurance regulators have been preparing plans to implement a new legislation that would restrict the use of electronic devices like mobile phones while on the road.
As cited by safety and auto insurance industry specialists, driver distraction is one of the major causes of accidents and fatalities in the United States. Current statistics show that distraction is the leading cause of 80 percent of all car crashes. It is also said to be the main cause of 65 percent of all near-accidents. Thousands of motorists have lost their lives within the previous year alone as a result of car collisions linked to driver distraction. Hundreds and thousands of drivers have been mildly to severely injured due to distraction. The concerning figures have drawn lawmakers and legislators into seriously thinking about making new laws that will limit the use of electronic devices while driving.
Recently, 14 states have laws that disallow the operation of mobile phones and similar electronic devices while the driving. Moreover, 11 states have altered present provisions to follow the federal regulations. Auto insurance industry reps states that with a ban on texting in the United States, there may be a decrease in insurance rates.
While the use of electronic devices, particularly mobile phones, have been deemed the culprit of car crashes, car accidents still occur due to other factors, such as simply not keeping a good eye on the road. You may be following regulations while on the road but, if the driver you're about to crash into isn't, you could be in big trouble if you aren't alert. Many car owners find the procedures that occur during and after an accident and regarding insurance policies perplexing, and experts agree there are some important steps you should be familiar with in case you do end up in an accident.
Beforehand
Always store your auto insurance details in the glove compartment. This includes a printer form enabling you to give the details of any accident such as the sketch of the scene. It would also be wise to store a disposable camera, as you'll likely need it to take pictures of damage.
At An Accident
Stay at the site of the accident until officials have arrived and gone, noting down the name of the officers and that they have your statement of what occurred. Don't immediately think a police report means you're all good to go. You should exchange names, driver's licenses, address and insurance details with the driver of the other vehicle.
Later
Establish the level of damage or injury. File a report with the police, even if the accident appears “minor,” and speak only with the police regarding the car accident. Never forget to obtain factual information involved in the accident, such as names, plate numbers, addresses, contact numbers and the driver's insurance company and car identification number. Finally, contact your insurance agent right away, even while you're at the site of the accident whenever possible, as the police can give your insurance company more precise details of the event.
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