Distracted Driving: A Deadly Epidemic

Distracted driving is quickly becoming more dangerous than driving under the influence. In 2010, more than 3,000 people died as a result of distracted driving crashes, and 18 percent of all crashes that year were the result of distracted driving.
 
Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving
Oct. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- Distracted driving is quickly becoming more dangerous than driving under the influence. In 2010, more than 3,000 people died as a result of distracted driving crashes, and 18 percent of all crashes that year were the result of distracted driving. The new influx of technology, from cell phones to GPS systems, has helped make distracted driving a major threat.

Distracted driving accidents aren't just caused by people texting or talking on the phone while driving. Other behaviors, such as eating or applying makeup, can also contribute to car accidents. The risk of serious collisions increases dramatically during the winter months due to inclement weather and poor visibility. Snow, ice, fog and other weather events require a speedy reaction time, and drivers who aren't paying full attention to the road cannot react quickly enough to avoid accidents.

Teenagers and young adults are especially prone to distracted driving accidents. This is due in part to the amount of technology young people are accustomed to using. It's also caused by driver inexperience. Many young drivers do not have the experience to avoid collisions, and additional distractions exacerbate this problem. As many as 40 percent of teens use cell phones while driving, and auto accidents are the leading cause of death for individuals under 25.

Drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in a collision by focusing on the road and avoiding the use of technology while behind the wheel. Simple things like investing in a hands-free headset or setting GPS coordinates before the journey begins will help reduce the incidence of collisions. There are a few other strategies for avoiding accidents during the winter:

♦  Avoid driving during very bad weather whenever possible
♦  Drive at a reduced speed to compensate for longer braking distance
♦  Maintain an appropriate following distance in traffic
♦  Avoid over-correcting if the vehicle begins to slip off the road
♦  Ensure that the vehicle is in good working order with appropriate tires and working brakes

Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can become victims of another person's carelessness. This is why it's always a good idea to carry sufficient auto insurance to cover the cost of repairs and medical expenses after a crash. Relying on another party's insurance can leave a driver without much-needed financial assistance after a collision. The other driver may be uninsured or have a policy that will not cover the accident in its entirety.

Drivers looking for insurance quotes through AutoInsuranceCenter.com can find the best insurance policies for the lowest prices. Being able to comparison shop between multiple insurers to obtain the best coverage is the first step to ensuring safety on the road. Affordable auto insurance policies are also available for teens and young adults, which will help reduce the financial impact of a crash if the young driver does cause one.

Although it's impossible to control what other drivers do, carrying ample insurance can help protect an individual from the unexpected. By combining insurance protection with safe driving habits, drivers can avoid collisions this winter.

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