24 Apr Are You a Distracted Driver?

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. For many of us we have been guilty of distracted driving at least once. All forms of distracted driving endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. Playing with the radio, putting on makeup in the car because you were running late, telling the kids to calm down in the backseat, eating/drinking, and the list goes on and on. One of the biggest causes of distracted driving is texting. Texting while driving is illegal, and, in many states, drivers are ticketed if caught in the action and can pay serious fines. Driving is dangerous enough if the driver is focused but added distractions can increase crashes and accidents greatly.

According to nsc.org the latest statistics show motor vehicle fatalities are up 6% from 2015. More than 40,000 people were killed on our nation’s roadways last year, and distracted driving is a major contributor. Distracted driving affects drivers of any age, even texting while driving. An average of five seconds is how long a driver’s eyes are not looking at the road while texting. Five seconds may not seem like a long time, but during that time frame significant damage can be cause. When a driver is ticketed it can increase insurance costs significantly. Don’t take the risk. No text is worth risking your life or the lives of others.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a united effort to recognize and eliminate preventable deaths from distracted driving. Make sure that your family is protected and knows the distractions while driving. Also call and make sure that your auto policy is up to date. If you have a question about your auto insurance give the agents at Spivey Insurance Group a call at 704-821-4460. Make sure to stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google Plus.