Distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes on roadways nationwide, resulting in thousands of preventable injuries and deaths each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 alone, 3,522 people lost their lives in crashes involving distracted drivers.
Distracted driving diverts your attention from operating a vehicle and can include activities like using your phone, texting, adjusting the radio, setting your navigation, applying makeup, and eating or drinking.
While the National Safety Council (NSC) notes that data reporting on distracted driving remains incomplete in many states, the NHTSA reported that between 2012 and 2021, more than 32,000 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers. In 2022, distracted driving accounted for 8% of all fatal crashes nationwide, emphasizing the ongoing threat this behavior poses to everyone on the road.
The NHTSA and NSC have these tips to get you to your destination safely:
Take a minute to prep before you drive
Before you take off, adjust your music, pair your phone, set up your GPS and note directions, check your texts/social media one last time, and adjust your mirror and seat position.
Utilize the driving safety features on your phone
Use Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature or Android Auto.
Out of sight, out of mind
If you are still distracted by your phone, try putting it in the trunk, your purse, or stowing it somewhere else where it won’t tempt you.
Minimize distractions with passenger help
If driving conditions are challenging or you need to focus, let your passengers know you need to concentrate. You can also ask them to assist by reading the GPS, adjusting the radio, or answering phone calls and texts so you can focus on the road.
Secure pets and loose items
Make sure pets are safely restrained, and loose objects are stored before you drive.
Pull over
If you must take a phone call or respond to an email or text, find a safe location, park, and use your phone there.
Avoid driving while drowsy and late at night
To increase alertness, avoid driving alone on little sleep and, if you feel drowsy, take a nap at a rest stop or use caffeine for a short-term boost.
Pledge to “Just Drive”
Take the National Safety Council Pledge to “Just Drive” and encourage everyone you care about to do the same.
Usage-based insurance, like Mapfre’s MotionSmart, tracks driving behavior and assigns a score based on factors such as phone use. New Mapfre customers in Massachusetts can learn about MotionSmart and potentially save on premiums for safe driving.
If you want to discuss your coverages and deductibles, your independent agent can always review your personal information to ensure you have the right car insurance coverage for your individual needs. And if you are not a Mapfre Insurance customer in Massachusetts yet, you can always get a fast, free car insurance quote in Massachusetts today to get outstanding coverage at a great price.
