Peter Schorsch
Florida isn’t a “hands free” state but insurers say that’s no reason to take your eyes off the road, especially while travelling over the holidays.
In one of the most sobering auto crash fatality statistics releases in 50 years, the National Safety Council estimated that as many as 40,000 people died in auto accidents across the country 2016.
Most drivers admit that distracted driving habits such as cell phone use were a major contributor, and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America says solving that aspect of car safety is simple: Put down the phone.
A PCI-commissioned survey, conducted by Harris Poll, found 92 percent of adults thought distracted driving was the cause of increased fatalities on American roads.
“Even though we’re aware of the dangers, our smartphones are still monopolizing too much of our time on the road. It’s all around us, everywhere you look people are texting, talking, surfing the web, and scrolling through social media on their smartphones while driving or walking,” said Bob Passmore, assistant vice president of personal lines policy at PCI.
It’s not too late to curb distracted driving behaviors, and with millions expected to be on the road for the holidays PCI put out a list of tips that can help drivers do just that.
Topping the list, of course, is keeping your hands on the wheel and off the touchscreen. If your device has a “do not disturb while driving” function, use it.
PCI also advised bringing along a designated driver if you’re heading to a holiday party with alcohol, and said all passengers should buckle up.
Also, with packed holiday schedules it’s easy to get antsy about being late, so study your routes ahead of time and give yourself plenty wiggle room to get where you’re going before putting the keys in the ignition.
Showing up a little early is better than letting anxiety give you a lead foot, which could lead to a speeding ticket or worse, an accident on slick or icy roads. Even if you and the others involved make it out unscathed, there could be “crash taxes” that stick the at-fault driver for the emergency response costs of the crash.
Just in case a fender-bender does occur, PCI said drivers should double check they have their up-to-date proof of insurance on hand and suggests making a plan for roadside assistance. Spending the hours on the side of the road doesn’t make for much holiday cheer.
One comment
Mark Brisson
December 27, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Texting is not just a “teen” problem. There are millions of employees in company cars and fleet vehicles who try to “multi-task” behind the wheel.
While Florida may seek to lower distracted driving by increasing penalties, fees and regulations, there is another option. There are anti-texting apps, like AT&T DriveMode which is FREE!
One area that is rarely discussed is that Florida has thousands of government vehicles that inspectors, regulators and the agricultural department use as fleet vehicles, but they do not have the technology to diminish distracted driving. I would love to see Florida lead by example and use a program, like FleetMode, to block texts, redirect incoming phone calls, and impede all other apps in the State vehicles. If we want our state roads to be safer, let’s start by making our state vehicles safer.
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