Avoid Those Cell Phones While Driving

October 6, 2015||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, cell phone, distracted drivers, personal insurance

At any given daylight moment in the United States, nearly 700,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA reports that an estimated 421,000 people were injured in auto accidents in 2012 involving a distracted driver, a 9 percent increase from the prior year.

Avoid Those Cell Phones While Driving
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711
And 31 percent of American drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before the survey.

Cell phones, and particularly smartphones, are considered one of the leading driver distractions. As a result, more communities are placing restrictions on drivers’ use of cell phones. The following tips are offered to motorists with regard to cell phone use in vehicles.

  • You should wait until the car trip is complete before placing a call. Your cell phone’s voicemail feature should answer a call while driving.
  • Consider keeping the cell phone completely out of reach in your car to keep the temptation from usage at bay.
  • Absolutely essential calls should only be performed while stopped. However, it is not wise to pull over on the side of the road where a rear-end collision is possible. Instead, you should pull into a parking lot to perform this task.
  • If you have to make a call, take advantage of speed-dialing capabilities.
  • At a minimum, you should never drive and talk on the cell phone during stressful, emotional, or complex discussions since the risk of an accident is heightened during such times.
  • You should never text-message while driving.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc.  Copyright 2015

Read Other Blog Posts

Contractor

Avoiding Contractor Fraud

It’s important to stay informed when dealing with contractors to reduce the risk of contractor fraud. Use these tips to avoid contractor fraud concerns.
Read more
Car tire side-view

Common Auto Insurance Terms

Auto insurance can be confusing at times. Policies often contain a variety of terms that can be difficult to understand, especially for someone without a background in insurance. The following is a list of common auto insurance terms to keep in mind the next time you meet with your insurance broker.
Read more
Toast

Holiday party etiquette & serving alcohol

Read more
What is Your Jewelry Worth? When Should You Update Appraisals?

What is Your Jewelry Worth? When Should You Update Appraisals?

Valentine’s Day approaches, often marked by the exchange of jewelry as a symbol of love. While insuring every piece may not be practical, it's advisable to consider insurance for expensive items, particularly those worn frequently.
Read more
Car on road

Gap Insurance

Car owners often assume that if their car is totaled, it will be replaced at the amount they paid, or at least the amount they owe. However, that’s not always the case — learn why and what you can do to protect yourself.
Read more
Car outside of garage

Vehicle Storage Tips During Winter

As winter approaches, it’s time to think about safely storing your recreational vehicle to avoid damage from the harsh weather and roads. Utilize the following guidance to properly prepare and store your vehicle this winter.
Read more
Car stopped for pedestrian

Quiet Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety

Electric cars continue to make headlines, but anyone who’s had such a vehicle sneak up behind them while on foot knows how quiet they are. These vehicles, along with hybrid cars, run much more quietly than gas-powered cars—posing a serious risk to unaware pedestrians.
Read more
Wood-burning Stove

Wood-burning Stove Safety

The top source of fires in American homes comes from fuel-burning appliances—such as a wood-burning stove. Consider the following guidance to ensure safe operation of your stove—keeping you, your family and your home protected against the risk of a fire.
Read more
Outside lightbulbs

How to Reduce Winter Utility Bills

When outside temperatures begin to drop, one of the most costly consequences is the increased energy it takes to maintain a comfortable home temperature. With this in mind, consider these tips to reduce your monthly utility bills in the winter.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected. Visit our auto insurance page to learn more.