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Cell Phone Safety: Drive Now, Dial Later
Drivers using cell phones are 4 times more likely to be involved in a serious accident, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In another study, researchers found that drivers on cell phones may be responsible for increasing overall commuting times by as much as 10%. And as data linking higher levels of risk to drivers using cell phones pours in, states are scrambling to ban cell phone use and develop ways to enforce the new bans.
It’s the Law (or Will be Soon)
Cell phone laws are now in effect in several states. Driving and talking on handheld cell phones is banned in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. California has also banned the use of hands-free wireless devices for drivers 18 and under. And other states are introducing similar bans for novice drivers, bus drivers, and anyone caught sending a text message while driving.
It won’t be easy for us to put down our cell phones in the car. According to the IIHS, at any given moment there are 745,000 people using hand-held phones while driving. But whether it’s illegal or not, we recommend getting a hands-free phone or pulling over to safely use your phone in the car. It’s probably just a matter of time until new laws are passed in your area.
Cell Phone Laws
Handheld ban: 6 states + DC and the Virgin Islands
Texting ban: 18 states
Complete Usage Ban
School bus drivers: 17 states + DC
Novice drivers: 21 states + DC
Cell Phones and Novice Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens and more and more laws are being put in place to help protect them. As of October 2009, 21 states and the District of Columbia ban all cell use by novice drivers and 9 states prohibit text messaging by novice drivers.
If you have teen drivers, don’t wait for an accident to happen or a law to pass. Talk to them frequently about the importance of staying focused on the road and avoiding distracted driving in all its forms.
Don’t Tweet and Drive
More and more cell phone laws are expanding to include texting, tweeting, and emailing as well. In June 2009, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed a law making it illegal to send texts, including emails and tweets, while behind the wheel. And while Colorado may be one of the first to include tweeting specifically, a little common sense will tell you that tweeting while driving is just as dangerous as texting and should be avoided altogether. Really, if it can be said in 140 characters or less, it can wait until you get where you’re going!
Your Cell Phone & Auto Insurance Claim Reporting
Having a cell phone with you in the car can also be extremely useful. Esurance offers mobile claims functionality that allows you to access claims info from your phone or mobile device. Just visit esurance.com from your phone and get all the claims info you need delivered right to the palm of your hand! And of course you can call us 24/7 at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).
Related Links
Get the latest news on cell phone bans in your state
Stay up-to-date on national cell phone bans and restrictions
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