The Risks of Distracted Driving and How to Stay Safe

Sending quick texts. Checking responses to a social media post. Changing up the music. Figuring out directions in GPS apps. Putting on makeup, eating and drinking, dealing with kids or spills–the list goes on. 

There are countless ways to find yourself distracted behind the wheel. At the same time, there are quantifiable consequences. Thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries result from distracted driving each year. At BK Insurance & Financial Services, we want our clients to keep safe when they’re out on the road. That’s why, before summer roadtrip season is in full swing, we’re here with some vital information to keep you alert and aware while driving on Ohio’s roadways. 

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is pretty self-explanatory. Some may think the focus is on cellphone use, but truthfully, it encompasses so much more. Any activity that takes attention away from driving–even for a few seconds–can be classed as distracted driving. And these distractions can have serious and unintended consequences.

We can divide distracted driving further, into three main categories: 

• Visual: Taking eyes off the road
• Manual: Taking hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: Taking focus off driving

While these types of distractions are distinct, they are often all happening at once, presenting drivers with a risk trifecta. Common examples of distracted driving include things like:

• Texting or using a phone
• GPS adjustments
• Eating or drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming while driving
• Adjusting music or controls
• Reaching for objects

There are, of course, plenty of other common situations that aren’t listed here. Interactions with children, pets, and other drivers–like road rage–can also cause intense distraction. Being in a heightened emotional or psychological state can also make a driver less aware of their surroundings. Whatever the case may be, it is important to recognize risky habits and try hard to move away from these. 

The Risks of Distracted Driving

Driving is such a normal part of our everyday lives, that it’s easy to take for granted the dangers and risks we face each and every time we get behind the wheel. Distractions while driving can cause a driver to momentarily lose control of thousands of pounds of metal, and physics will always come to call. Overcompensation by a driver who veers too far to the left or right or a hard punch of the brakes could end up exacerbating an already bad situation. The sheer momentum of a moving vehicle can hurtle a driver into injury, property damage, or worse.

Distracted driving can also lead to a driver missing critical events, objects, and cues, leaving them without enough time to react. In fact, it’s been found in past studies that simply taking eyes off the road for more than two seconds can as much as double a driver’s risk of an accident. That’s not a statistic to be ignored.

Once attention is not on your driving or the road and other drivers, negative consequences can quickly ensue, such as:

• Injuries and fatalities
• Property damage
• Emotional trauma
• Financial consequences

Cell Phones and Distracted Driving

Even if you’re not checking or interacting with your cell phone while driving, the notifications can be tempting–you want to stay informed and in touch. But sparing a moment to check your phone can be a huge mistake.

• In the 5 seconds you read or send a text, you can easily travel the length of a football field if on the highway
• Mobile phone use increases the chance of getting in an accident fourfold
• Texting while driving raises the chance of being involved in a crash by 23 times

It’s a known fact that distracted drivers have a slower reaction time to stopped vehicles, slowing traffic, an accident, bad weather, hazards on the road, or pedestrians or animals. But this risk only compounds when a phone is involved. That’s why, effective in 2023, it became illegal to even have a phone on your person when driving in Ohio. There are acceptable ways that adult drivers can utilize hands-free technology, but otherwise, phone use can result in serious penalties.

Distracted Driving and Car Insurance in Kent

Drivers who receive tickets for distracted driving or cell phone use while driving could see negative consequences when it comes to car insurance premiums. This is due to the mere fact that drivers who are distracted present a significantly higher risk to everyone around them, and to their insurance proiders–the likelihood is higher that the company will have to pay a large claim. Distracted drivers could experience the following:

• Increased premiums
• Accident claims
• Liability exposure
• Traffic violations on driving record

Safe driving practices help to protect a driver’s physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. And a robust insurance policy can help too. Having collision and liability coverage on deck along with provisions for medical payments and claims support will help you to successfully navigate an accident.

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving isn’t always 100% avoidable, but there are some key steps to make it less of a problem.

Before driving, you can:

• Set GPS beforehand
• Silence notifications
• Secure loose items

While driving you should:

• Avoid texting or phone use
• Pull over if something requires attention
• Focus fully on the road

Parents need to model safe behavior for young drivers, always driving with full attention on the road and avoiding distractions when possible. Children and teens should speak up if others are driving while distracted or using a phone while driving. Family members can make a pact and sign a pledge to commit to distraction-free driving. Educators can promote safe driving practices in school, and employers can institute a safe driving policy and incentivize safe driving while also warning of the dangers of distracted driving. If your business has commercial vehicles, consider promoting safety on the road and requiring driver safety training.

Besides taking steps to avoid distracted driving, it’s also important to be extra aware and vigilant of other drivers who may be distracted. Defensive driving allows you to stay alert to drivers who may have a delayed reaction time and to avoid being impacted yourself. Always driving at a safe following distance and anticipating potential hazards will enable you to react quickly and avert danger.

Car Insurance In Kent

At BK Insurance & Financial Services, all too often we’re assisting folks with filing a claim after being involved in a crash due to another driver’s distraction. It’s serious folks, and it’s risky out on the road. But as you can see, distracted driving is preventable. Even making small changes in daily driving habits can significantly reduce accident risk and improve road safety.

We want the best for our clients and everyone who’s out there on Ohio roads. If you aren’t sure what your policy covers, and you’re looking for car insurance in Kent, get in touch with us. You can speak with our experienced agents about protection options and request a tailored insurance quote. We’re here to keep you safe.