The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is raising awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and is now in its fifth year of the ‘U Drive. U Text. U Pay.’ enforcement campaign.
What does this mean for drivers?
Like any time of year, put your phones down when driving, but be especially mindful this month as law enforcement are on the lookout for people texting behind the wheel and reinforcing the importance of the #justdrive campaign.
It is estimated that every day, at least nine Americans die and 100 are injured in distracted driving related crashes according to the National Safety Council. 94 percent of all crashes are caused by user error and the NHTSA estimates that at any given point, 7 percent of all drivers are using their phones while driving.
What can you do to be a safer driver?
- There are now several apps that can be installed on your phone to silence incoming texts and calls while driving. Some even offer reward points for successfully not responding to incoming messages while driving.
- Program your GPS before you get on the road.
- Avoid voice commands and dashboard touchscreens which are also distracting and can take your attention away from the road.
If safety alone isn’t enough to convince you to put the distractions aside while on the road, remember that many insurers offer incentives and discounts for drivers who practice safe driving. Furthermore, getting caught with a phone in your hand could result in an increase in your rates and a hefty ticket since most states have passed anti texting while driving laws.
If you have a favorite anti texting phone app be sure to tell your Brooks, Todd & McNeil agent and help us spread the word to keep our roads safer and make sure everyone makes it to their destination.