13 Oct North Carolina Auto Insurance: Distracted Driving Is Deadly!

Distracted driving is dangerous and deadly, and yet we all do it on a daily basis. We’ve all been guilty of it at one point or another, even though we know that it was the cause of nearly 20% of injury crashes in 2009. Yet, day after day you see people driving down the road eating, petting an animal, putting on makeup, or the biggest offender, texting. As John E. Langan, a traffic safety consultant and former police officer points out, “Any distraction, even for a second or two, is a matter of life and death when it comes to driving. You can’t react to something you can’t see.” No amount of North Carolina auto insurance will protect you from the dangers of sidetracked driving, so continue reading to find out what can you do to avoid the hazard all together.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any form of activity (including visual, physical, and mental) that has the potential to distract a driver from their primary task of driving. There are several forms of distracted driving which include the following:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone
• Eating and drinking
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Talking to passengers
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Changing the radio station or messing with a MP3 player
• Petting a pet, restraining them from climbing in the front seat, or holding them in place while applying the breaks

How Can You Prevent It?

The first step in the difficult process of cutting back distracted driving across the nation is to spread the awareness of its risks. For example, we need to create a culture where talking on the phone and texting isn’t expected by those contacting you. Their phone calls and text messages can wait in the name of safety.

In a society where traveling with pets is becoming more and more common, another positive step towards safer driving will be to harness all animals with safety restraints. An alarming study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that 83 percent of those traveling with animals agreed it could be dangerous, but only 16 percent using pet safety restraints. Using restraints will not only making a safer driving environment, but it will also protect your furry friends in the event of an accident. If the car comes to an abrupt stop, the harness will keep Fido from flying through the windshield. Consumers who travel with their pet frequently also have the option to extend their North Carolina auto insurance to cover their pets’ injuries in the event of an accident.

A good motto to live by is, “When you’re behind the wheel driving is your only job.” Always focus your attention solely on the road, and you will be doing your part in cutting back on distracted driving across the country!

Have questions about your North Carolina auto insurance policy, or looking into extending coverage to man’s best friend? Call Spivey today at 877-318-5951 or visit our website for information on all forms of Carolina insurance.