Texting and Driving

Sending a text takes around 5 seconds, but at 55 mph this is the equivalent of traveling the length of a football field while blindfolded.

In an effort to eliminate accidents caused by distracted driving, we want to spread the word about the dangers of texting and driving.

Driving requires our full attention and the smallest distraction can lead to a devastating accident. Sending a text message and operating a phone requires your brain to simultaneously perform manual, cognitive, and visual tasks, making it an extremely dangerous distraction while driving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently conducted a study which found that, contrary to popular belief, even hands-free, voice-controlled systems are just as distracting as texting.

Here are some tips to share with your friends (and practice yourself) to help avoid the temptation of texting while driving:

  • Put your phone in another compartment or in the center console – keep it out of sight and out of mind
  • See if your phone carrier offers an app which automatically responds to texts while your vehicle is moving (e.g. AT&T’s DriveMode or Sprint’s Drive First)
  • If communicating with your phone is absolutely necessary because of an emergency, then pull off into a safe area and park your car
  • If you’re driving with a passenger, ask them to send the text for you

In the end, the best option is to just put the phone away until you reach your destination. Texting and using your phone while driving is not only putting you in danger, but it’s putting other drivers and pedestrians in danger as well.

Contact us if you need a quote on your car insurance or help with a claim