Q: How many crashes resulting in injury occurred as a result of distracted driving in 2018 in the United States?

A: According to the National Safety Council, 276,000 distracted-affected injury crashes occurred in 2018 alone.

Q: What types of distracted driving behaviors should you avoid while driving?

A: Distracted driving behaviors can include eating, using your cell phone, putting on makeup, changing clothes, shaving and more. These actions limit your vision and impair your reaction time, and should be avoided for your safety and the safety of others!

Q: How is distracted driving defined?

A: Distracted driving consists of any behavior or activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. It is commonly referred to as the “new drunk driving” because it is extremely dangerous.

Q: How many states have banned handheld phone use for all drivers?

A: According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, there are 21 total states (and Washington D.C.) with laws requiring that all drivers must go hands-free as of February 2020. Driving while texting has been banned in 48 states and Washington D.C.

Q: On average, how long does it take for a driver to respond to a text message?

A: It takes a driver approximately five seconds to respond to a text message, according to TeenSafe. Even this brief time of distracted driving can be very dangerous if you’re traveling at a high speed or on a crowded highway.

To keep from putting your own life and the lives of your passengers at risk, avoid these distracted driving behaviors whenever possible. Even when you take precautions, other drivers may not be engaging in the same safe driving practices. If you have questions about whether your insurance coverage is right for you, reach out to your local National General agent.