The Dangers of Texting and Driving

While drunk driving gets a fair amount of attention from public health researchers and public safety advertisements, it is far from the only dangerous driving habit. Driving while using a cell phone to send text messages, listen to voicemail, or complete any other task is also highly risky. Unfortunately, studies have shown that this is a growing problem, particularly among drivers under the age of 27.

Operating a cell phone, Blackberry, or other handheld device while driving significantly increases your risk of being in a major car accident. Even if no one is hurt, being at fault for a collision can significantly increase your auto insurance premiums. To learn about saving money on Chicago car insurance even with a bad driving record, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.

An Avoidable Risk

About 21% of fatal car accidents among 16 to 19 year olds involve a driver distracted by a cell phone or other handheld device. Sadly, researchers expect this percentage to increase in coming years, even though most young people are aware that texting while driving is dangerous. Public advertising campaigns and even new laws are being developed to target this hazardous behavior.

The next time you are tempted to pick up your cell phone while driving, consider some of the potential consequences:

• Legal action. Beginning in 2010, the state of Illinois will ban the use of text messages and emails while driving. Lawmakers are hoping that the threat of legal penalties will finally begin to decrease the number of distracted drivers on the road.
• Injuries and damages. While they are texting, drivers are far more likely to commit errors such as drifting into another lane, failing to notice a pedestrian or stopped car in front of them, or other dangerous mistakes. These can all too easily lead to major property damage and severe personal injuries.
• Harming another person. You are not only risking your own safety when you use a cell phone while driving. If you cause a motor vehicle accident, innocent people could experience extensive property damage and injuries. The consequences for you could be more than guilt – there are also steep legal and financial penalties for negligent drivers.

Causing a motor vehicle accident will be noted on your driving record, and could have drastic effects on your insurance rates. If you are having difficulty finding affordable insurance coverage, our Chicagoland auto insurance agents can help.

Contact Us

Insure on the Spot provides fast and simple facts about your Chicago car insurance options. To learn more, contact us at 773-202-5060.