Distracted Driving Awareness Month Highlights Need for Changes in Driving Habits, Traffic Laws

CHICAGO, Illinois, March 29 -- The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America issued the following news release:

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, as designated by the National Safety Council (NSC), and auto insurers join the national campaign to remind the country that distracted driving crashes can be prevented by modifying driving habits and strengthening auto safety laws.

The National Safety Council reports that motor vehicle deaths surpassed 40,000 for the second consecutive year in 2017. The estimates from the NSC show 4.57 million people were seriously injured in auto crashes.

"Distracted driving--and the ubiquitous use of smartphones behind the wheel--is one of the leading causes for the rise in vehicle crashes nationwide," said Bob Passmore, assistant vice president of personal lines policy at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). "Advanced technologies have made cars safer than ever in recent years, so it would be logical to think that roadway crashes and deaths would be decreasing. Unfortunately, vehicle crashes and fatalities are rising sharply across the country. And with more people on the roads for spring break and during the warmer months, the potential for distracted driving crashes increases."

According to software developer TrueMotion, 92 percent of drivers use their smartphones while driving, and 71 percent text while driving. "Too many drivers are still texting, talking, surfing the web, and using social media and apps on their smartphones while driving," said Passmore. "Auto safety campaigns like Distracted Driving Awareness Month are important to educate drivers about the risks of distracted driving and encourage them to stop using smartphones and eliminate other distractions while driving. Continued support for the implementation and enforcement of distracted driving laws, which discourage texting while driving and ban handheld cellphone use, also is critical to prevent tragedies."

"Auto safety is a top issue for auto insurers. We hope the dialogue on distracted driving will continue, and we urge lawmakers and other industry thought leaders to continue addressing the impact of motorist behavior as an important part of the road safety equation," added Passmore.

Simple modifications to driver behaviors can prevent auto accidents and save lives. PCI offers the following tips for safe driving.

PCI's Top 7 Safe Driving Tips:

1. Avoid distracted driving. Don't talk, text or use apps while driving. Put the phone down and just drive. Try to limit other distractions, such as eating or fiddling with controls, and be aware that having more passengers in the car multiplies the opportunity for distraction. Secure pets in the back of the car.

2. Wear your seatbelt. Whether you're traveling to see friends or family or just running errands, buckle up and drive safely. Seat belts save lives and help prevent injuries. Also, make sure kids are in the proper car or booster seats.

3. Give yourself plenty of time. Plan ahead and allow extra travel time. With more people on the roads over spring break, often driving in unfamiliar territory, the potential for auto crashes increases. Plan routes in advance when traveling to new destinations and be patient.

4. Pay attention to your speed. Observe speed limits, including lower speeds in work zones. Stay focused on the road and be aware of changing traffic patterns caused by construction. Be especially cautious around construction workers. They're often working close to the highway and at great risk.

5. Beware of crash taxes. Although crash taxes have been banned or limited in several states, many cities, counties and fire districts will charge the at-fault driver for the emergency response costs of a crash. Fees can range from $100 to more than $2,000, and a typical insurance policy does not cover those costs.

6. Have a plan for roadside assistance. If you're involved in a crash, beware of unscrupulous towing companies. Some towing companies take advantage of drivers after an accident by charging excessive fees and making it difficult for people to retrieve their cars. Have the phone number for your insurer or a roadside assistance program ready.

7. Update your proof of insurance. Before hitting the road, replace any expired insurance identification cards so you can provide current proof of insurance during a traffic stop.

Additional Resources:

National Safety Council Distracted Driving Awareness Resources

PCI Online Magazine: http://bit.ly/PCIAutoSafety

2018 Auto Safety Video: https://youtu.be/j5Ukl36R_ms

PCI Auto Safety Page: http://bit.ly/PCIHeadsUp

PCI's Safe Driving Tips Infographic: http://bit.ly/PCISafeDrivingTips

Be sure to follow us on social media @PCIAA and use #HeadsUp to find other important safety tips.

PCI promotes and protects the viability of a competitive private insurance market for the benefit of consumers and insurers. PCI is composed of nearly 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write $220 billion in annual premium, 37 percent of the nation's property casualty insurance. Member companies write 44 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 30 percent of the homeowners market, 35 percent of the commercial property and liability market and 37 percent of the private workers compensation market.