Despite all the attention it has received over the past years, distracted driving is still one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents and death.

The Numbers and Implications are Frightening

  • The average person reads a text in about 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, a car travels 80 feet every second. Reading a text while driving is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
  • At any given time during daylight hours in the U.S., upward of 660,000 drivers are using their phone or texting.
  • There were 3,477 fatalities in distraction-affected crashes in 2015, an 8.8 percent increase from 2014
  • More than 2 in 3 drivers reported talking on a cell phone while driving within a one-month period and 1 in 3 say they do so regularly
  • Drivers using cell phones (handheld or hands-free) fail to see up to 50 percent of their driving environment–a phenomenon known as “inattention blindness.”

What Does Distracted Mean? 

Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands, eyes or *mind* off the task at hand. This can include:

  • Texting or talking on a phone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a radio, or other device

Reaching for something or swatting an insect are also common distractions. Distraction can also be several things at once. For example, “rubbernecking” as you pass a crash not only takes your eyes away from the road, but also creates mental distractions when asking yourself, “What happened?”, “Were there any injuries?” and “Do I know those involved?”

Hands Free

A lot of new vehicles include hands free options these days, but according to 30 or so studies, hands-free is nearly as distracting as holding a device. Remember, a distraction includes anything that takes your *mind* off the task of driving.

There’s no good answer to this problem other than turning off or ignoring your phone and leaving the driver of the car alone to focus on their job of getting everyone there safely.

All content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Topics discussed on this blog relate to insurance products and issues in a general application, and are not an offer of insurance, a guarantee of coverage, or applicable to specific and individual circumstances. Contact LG Insurance Agency for questions and information specific to your insurance needs.

About LG Insurance

Founded in 2009 by Aaron Levine, LG Insurance is one of the Jersey Shore's fastest growing insurance agencies. Located in Long Branch Jersey, LG Insurance proudly serves many other local towns throughout Monmouth County including Asbury Park, Eatontown, Little Silver, Middletown, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Rumson, Shrewsbury and all of NJ. We also insure homes and busiensses on Long Island and in the Greater New York City area.

Specializing in personal and business properties in coastal areas, LG Insurance offers a full product line of personal and commercial insurance packages and products as well as a full line of life insurance and supplemental insurance coverages. 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!