Distracted driving can be extremely dangerous for both you and those around you. While distracted driving includes talking, eating, using a cell phone or using a navigation system, the most dangerous form of distracted driving is often texting. When you text, you need to take your mental and physical attention off the road. You’ll often be expecting a response, which can be mentally distracting as well.
Ten percent of all crash injuries in 2011 were reported to be due to distractions, and a total of 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. If you want to ensure the safety of yourself, the occupants in your vehicle and those around you, don’t text and drive. The best course of action to take if you really need the information you’re receiving is to pull over to the side of the road to look at your phone.
There’s nothing so essential that it cannot wait five minutes. Twenty one percent of drivers under the age of 19 were distracted when they were involved in fatal crashes, so it’s important to educate your children about this danger as well.
For more information about the perils of distracted driving or to get a quote about auto insurance that can protect you, contact Mike Leonard Insurance Agency.