Personal auto insurance serves as a critical safety net, especially given the prevalence of distracted driving incidents. Seemingly harmless actions—like taking a bite of a burger, checking navigation, or flipping through music—can lead to severe accidents. April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of attentive driving and the dangers of multitasking behind the wheel.
Even the most experienced drivers increase their risk when they divide their attention. Consider these statistics:
- Daily Fatalities: According to the Center for Disease Control Distracted driving claims approximately nine lives every day in the U.S., totaling around 3,500 deaths annually.
- Injury Rates: In 2022, an estimated 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers reports the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
- Teen Impact: Drivers under 20 years old represent 6% of those involved in fatal crashes where distraction was a factor.
- Economic Cost: Distracted driving imposes an economic burden of approximately $40 billion annually.
- Texting Risks: Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds—at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
- Perception vs. Behavior: While 96% of people acknowledge that texting while driving is dangerous, 44% admit to doing it.
- Truck Accidents: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 71% of large truck accidents involved the driver engaging in activities other than driving.
How Auto Insurance Protects You in the Event of an Accident
Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen. Auto insurance plays a vital role in protecting you financially if you’re involved in a crash—whether caused by distracted driving or another factor.
- Liability Coverage – If you are at fault in an accident, liability insurance helps cover medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees for the other party.
- Collision Coverage – Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it’s damaged in a crash, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Covers non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
- Medical Payments & Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has little or no insurance.
By eliminating distractions, drivers can better protect themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. However, having the right auto insurance policy ensures you’re financially protected when accidents do occur. Contact our team and we will review your coverage to keep you protected.