Re-Print from SusanneRomoAgency.blogspot.com
A Peck and a Wreck: Amorous Drivers at Risk
Yeah, keep your eyes on the road,
your hands upon the wheel
— The Doors, Roadhouse Blues
A recent poll, conducted by GfK Roper, revealed that 29 percent of drivers surveyed acknowledged they’ve been amorous behind the wheel sometime during the past year. The numbers reflect the larger issue of distracted driving — with 93 percent of respondents reporting that they engage in it somehow, whether by texting, talking on a cellphone or kissing.1
Some interesting findings: Four in 10 licensed drivers admit that being distracted while driving caused them to do one of the following: swerve into another lane, slam on the brakes, get a ticket, almost get into an accident, or have a minor or major wreck. Interestingly, that number rose to 49 percent for drivers who have a college degree and 43 percent for drivers who earn at least $75,000 a year.1
Distracting activities while driving include:
- Using a cellphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a PDA or navigation system
- Watching a video
- Changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player
Taking action: In 2010, 12 states banned texting while driving and two banned the use of handheld cellphones. This brings the total to 30 states with texting bans and eight with cellphone bans, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Recently, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that, depending on the outcome of research being done by his agency, he might push for an all-encompassing nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving.2
Bottom line: Driving is a very serious responsibility that demands your full attention. Driver distractions can occur anytime, anywhere and anyplace so do your best to eliminate distractions: Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel.
end of article
Click for our past Driving Safety blog articles:
> Texting While Driving
> Zero Tolerance for Cell Phone Use
> Farmers Insurance's commercial on Driving Safety
> National Tire Safety Week
> Teens and the "Every 15 Minutes Program" / Auto Insurance Discount for Youthful Drivers
1 Source: Insurance Networking News, February 14, 2011.
http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/
auto_insurance_distracted_driving_risk_management_Valentines_Day-27154-1.html
2 Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-08/
lahood-weighs-urging-u-s-ban-on-all-driver-phone-use-in-cars.html
* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.
