When You Should Rely on a Designated Driver

Watch out for these situations where you’ll need a designated driver.

While designated drivers are most commonly associated with a wild night out, there are other situations in which having a designated driver might be a good idea.  Here are some situations where you’ll need a designated driver.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.  Recent studies have shown that drowsy driving is a factor in about 1 in 5 fatal car accidents in the U.S. every year.  While you can avoid drowsy driving by getting enough sleep and by drinking caffeinated beverages, sometimes you can’t fight off the fatigue.  When you feel that you are too exhausted to drive safely, that’s when you should turn to your designated driver.  Make sure you have a co-pilot for extended car rides and you’re much more likely to get to your destination safely.

Distracted Driving

While most people associate distracted driving with texting or taking a phone call, distracted driving can also occur when you are lost in your thoughts or experiencing major emotional distress.  Unfortunately, distracted driving is the third highest cause of road fatalities (after drunk driving and speeding).  To prevent distracted driving, you should pull off the road to use your phone or pull over if you feel your attention wandering away from the road.  Remember, another way to stay safe is by relying on a designated driver when you feel your focus starting to slip.

These are just a few of the situations where you’ll need a designated driver.  Remember, another way to stay safe as you drive is by having the right auto insurance protections in place.  To get the coverage you need, turn to the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance in North Texas.  Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.  Contact us to get started today.