In today’s culture, the majority of drivers participate in some form of distracted driving, whether they realize it or not. Distracted driving includes a number of activities such as eating or drinking, day dreaming, talking to passengers and yes, texting or talking on your cell phone. These distractions often lead to, or are the cause of, many car accidents and injuries. You’re auto insurance premium may increase as well.
We’ve all heard about the dangers of texting, talking or other forms of distracted driving. But are we listening? Not very well, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) who contend the problem has continually grown worse over the last several years. In fact, according to one study a driver operating a vehicle while using a cellphone is four times more likely to be involved in a car accident.
Your auto insurance premium might increase
Auto insurance providers are continually changing the way they study and establish risk to determine car insurance rates. The latest statistics suggest that a clearer message needs to be sent to drivers about just how dangerous and costly distracted driving can be. That message from the insurance companies may be coming in the form of car insurance premium increases for those drivers that are considered high-risk.
Insurance companies are paying close attention to your driving record and whether or not you’ve been cited for some form of distracted driving. Since most states are cracking down on cell phone use while driving, if you are at fault for a car accident involving distracted driving, or are ticketed for texting while driving, you’re likely to see your insurance premium rise. And, repeat offenders may have their coverage cancelled if they continue to break driving laws.
How much will my auto insurance rates increase if I get a ticket for distracted driving?
If you get a ticket or are involved in an accident due to distracted driving, how high your rates go up depends on your insurance company and the state in which you were ticketed. Depending on your state’s laws, violations for cell phone use while driving could have a huge impact on how high your insurance rates will climb.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver contact the personal injury and car accident attorneys at DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers in Wichita, Kansas. Call 316-888-8888 for a free case evaluation with no obligation.