Distracted driving is having a tremendous impact on insurance rates.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents
Increasing technology has seen the development of user-friendly mobile devices that have been the leading agents of distractions when it comes to driving. Distracted drivers have always existed. However, their number drastically increased with the invention of new applications for smartphones. Distracted driving has been found to be an increasing problem especially among the youth.
More accidents equate to higher policy premiums
Studies show that a distracted driver is 23 times more likely to cause an accident while using a cell phone. The Boston Globe reports that policy providers in Massachusetts received approval to raise rates by as much as 5% in 2017.
See also: Distracted Driving: a Job for Insurtech?
Insurance costs rise drastically
Many campaigns have been launched countrywide in a bid to sensitize drivers on how to keep their mind on the road and hands on the wheel. However, overconfidence and lack of focus has seen more drivers lose their lives due to distracted driving -- 52% of road accidents had significant phone distraction before the accident, according to Cambridge Mobile Telematics.
Everyone should take part in curbing distractions while driving to help moderate insurance rates. Strict actions should be taken on those violating traffic rules. It is also important to report any road or accident-related cases to a car accident attorney.
