In today’s world distracted driving is a concern we hear about almost on a daily basis. There are many examples of distracted driving like eating, drinking, talking, listening to loud music but the biggest of them all right now is smart phone use. The need to have information at our fingertips at all times of the day has become an obsession. We see people swerving off the road, texting at red lights and missing the whole light or just doing the head nod up at the road down at phone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in 2017 that 3,166 people were killed by distracted driving. They give a statistic of taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds driving at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
How can we be better? What can we do to eliminate these distracted driving deaths and accidents? Get involved in the smallest of ways by doing your part. You can start by knowing your car, where things are like the windshield wipers switch, volume dial and pre-plan navigation. Put your phone down, this seems to be a no brainer. Take the pledge to commit to being an attentive driver. AT&T has a campaign “IT CAN WAIT” to promote putting your phone down. There are also apps you can use on your phone to restrict use while driving like cell control and safe drive. If you must text you can always pull over off the road and once stopped pick up the phone and do what you need to do.
By each of us doing our individual part and choosing not to drive distracted we will make the road a safer place for everyone. Remember driving is a privilege, not a right. You don’t want to lose your privilege or your life over a text, email or what your friend said on Facebook.
If you would like to discuss any of your insurance needs and questions, please contact one of associates by calling 517-337-6000 or visiting our website www.hksagency.com.