Search
 

Hold the Phone!

Too many of us are talking, texting, or using a GPS while navigating the wheel. More distracted drivers equates to more traffic accidents and injuries.

By Ken Brownlee, CPCU | Updated on September 29, 2011
Long ago, when one was on the telephone and something else happened, one might say, “Hold the phone a minute; there’s somebody at the door.” Today, there is no need for that. The phone is portable, so the speaker can take it with him, multitasking while talking. Not only is the phone now portable, but it can be used to send text messages, check the weather, forward an email, provide directions, or play a movie, all while blaring music loud enough to damage the walls.

But therein lies a problem: Too many of us are talking, texting, or using a GPS while we are cruising down the highway. Cell phone usage is on its way to becoming a cause of more auto accidents than drug usage or drunk driving. An astounding 28 percent of fatal auto accidents are now attributed to texting or cell phone use.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are around 6.8 million auto accidents annually. Now, that may include minor accidents involving door dings obtained in a parking lot, but that number represents over 2 percent of the total U.S. population, ranging in age from infants to seniors.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.