Distracted Driving
DISTRACTED DRIVING
DISTRACTED DRIVING
Auto insurance companies are part of a broad spectrum of organizations warning of the dangers of distracted driving and taking steps to curb deadly behaviors while behind the wheel.
Auto insurance companies are part of a broad spectrum of organizations warning of the dangers of distracted driving and taking steps to curb deadly behaviors while behind the wheel.
While distracted driving can include a number of activities, from eating to using a phone to fiddling with the radio, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions.
While distracted driving can include a number of activities, from eating to using a phone to fiddling with the radio, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions.
Statewide laws and penalties are the fastest ways to change the culture. Texas enacted a statewide ban on texting while driving on Sept. 1, 2017.
Statewide laws and penalties are the fastest ways to change the culture. Texas enacted a statewide ban on texting while driving on Sept. 1, 2017.
Latest News
Latest News
Viewpoint: More Sweeping Cellphone Laws Reduce Crash Rates
It’s common knowledge that texting while driving is illegal in most places. But what about tapping the screen of your cellphone to accept a faster route suggested by Google Maps? What if your phone is mounted on the dashboard? What if you’re stopped at a red light? Is tapping the screen of your phone different from tapping your car’s touch-screen infotainment center? Drivers have varied interpretations of what is acceptable — and so do state laws and the police who enforce them.
Distracted Driving Position
Auto insurance companies – including TCAIS member companies – are part of a broad spectrum of organizations warning of the dangers of distracted driving and taking steps to curb deadly behaviors while behind the wheel.
Distracted driving was responsible for 93,512 crashes
in Texas in 2021 – one in five of all vehicle crashes. More than 431 people died as a result, and 2,934 were seriously injured. The number of crashes was highest among young drivers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes three main types of distraction:
• Visual – taking your eyes off the road
• Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive – taking your mind off of driving.
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions. A driver who sends or reads a text message takes his eyes of the road for about five seconds, long enough to cover a football field when driving at 55 mph.
In addition to Texas law that has banned texting while driving statewide since Sept. 1, 2017, Austin and San Antonio entirely prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving or riding a bicycle.
Auto insurance companies, cell phone providers, car companies and safety advocates have campaigns to educate consumers about the dangers of all forms of distracted driving. Some of TCAIS member insurance companies also have apps for download to help the public drive more safety.
Resources
AAA’s Top 10 Tips to avoid distractions while driving.
Allstate:
How well do you know the causes of distracted driving?
Farmers Insurance:
Distracted on the road? It’s like driving the length of a football field… blindfolded
Nationwide:
State Farm:
USAA:
Avoid these ten deadly driving distractions
Texas Department of Transportation: Talk. Text. Crash.
National Safety Coalition: Ending Distracted Driving is Everyone's Responsibility
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Distracted Driving
National Safety Council: Safety on the Road
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