From on-board computers and entertainment systems in our vehicles to smart phones, today’s technology does a lot of good for us. However, sometimes it can be hard to break the connection with our everyday technology. Using your phone or adjusting the settings on the road may seem innocent enough, but distracted driving claims thousands of lives every year. In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed while 391,000 were injured in vehicle crashes because of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from the road. It may take just a moment to answer that text, but a car accident takes seconds. Talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking with passengers or adjusting settings in your vehicle are all considered forms of distracted driving.

With all the risk involved with distracted driving, state and local governments are cracking down on the problems. Insurance quotes also raise their car insurance premiums for those who cause accidents because of distraction. Insurance Quotes Salt Lake wants every driver to use the road, but it requires a basic level of responsibility to keep everyone safe. Here are some simple rules to follow when on the road.

Distracted Driving – Dos and Don’t’s

Dos

  • Follow speed limits
  • Use your turn signal
  • Always wear your seatbelt
  • Be courteous to other drivers
  • Keep children in tested, approved car seats
  • Give pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles room
  • Review official rules of the road in your area periodically and follow them
  • Ask a passenger to adjust climate settings, music or use your phone for you when driving
  • Pay attention when you’re driving, even in familiar areas. Most accidents happen within 15 miles of home

Don’ts

  • Eat, change clothes, put on makeup while driving
  • Let road rage or strong emotions affect your driving
  • Drink alcohol and drive or get in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking
  • Tailgate cars, pass on shoulders, miss yields or run through stop lights and signs
  • Assume the actions of others, a turn signal is not a guarantee the driver will follow it
  • Play your stereo too loud or wear headphones while driving. You still need to hear other vehicles, especially emergency vehicles
  • Talk or text on your phone. When you really need to make a phone call, pull over or park in a safe area. Texts can always wait
  • Assume others know what you’re doing, distracted driving may cause you to forget a signal or right of way

Insurance Quotes Salt Lake

We want to keep Salt Lake City a safe place to drive by avoiding distraction while driving. Though it’s tempting to look at your phone or adjust the settings, it can result in a serious accident or a rise in your car insurance premiums. Get a quote for car insurance from us today. We work with some of the best car insurance companies in the Salt Lake City area.