203-527-6002Distracted Driving Can Drive Up Your Premiums
Distracted drivers are killing people. That’s the bottom line. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted drivers killed 3,522 people in 2021. Insurance companies are paying close attention to this growing problem.
Traffic accidents resulting from distracted driving have become a significant public safety concern in recent years. Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in any activity that diverts their attention away from the primary task of operating a vehicle. We are approaching the intersection of technology and your insurance costs very quickly. You’ll feel it in your budget soon.
Can my driving habits affect what I pay for insurance?
The short answer is yes. Insurance companies are looking closely at an emerging technology that collects driving data and evaluates driving behaviors, including speed, hard braking, and distraction. This information is used to produce a score that directly impacts a driver’s auto insurance premium payment.
You have the ability to take immediate and effective action to control your driving habits, and ultimately, how much you pay for your auto insurance. Technology-enabled carriers, like Travelers, provide premium discounts to their customers who allow tracking of their driving habits. You can view this as an intrusion or use it to your advantage to lower your premiums. The outcome is simple: Better drivers will be rewarded with lower rates.
What are the risks and rewards of technology?
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents worldwide. The proliferation of smartphones and the use of texting, calling, and social media apps are major contributors to distracted driving. In-car technology is a problem. Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced infotainment systems, which can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Eating and drinking while driving is a common source of distraction. Daydreaming also contributes to the problem. Drivers may lose focus when their minds wander, leading to cognitive distraction.
Here are some NHTSA statistics from drivers about their habits that are distracting in themselves.
- 57% of drivers text or read while driving
- 19% of drivers have shopped online while driving
IoT connected devices that we use in our cars allow for tracking. Tracking technology is able to directly monitor these types of activities listed above. As tracking technology becomes more widely used by auto insurance carries, this data will have a direct impact on what you pay for insurance.
How can I control what I pay for insurance?
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Accidents due to distracted driving result in substantial economic costs, including medical bills, property damage, and increased insurance premiums. The financial loss can be significant. The legal consequences are very real. Of course, the emotion toll is devastating.
Traffic accidents caused by distracted driving are a pervasive and preventable problem. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, combining legislation, education, technology, and enforcement. Reducing distractions and promoting attentive driving habits are essential steps toward improving road safety and saving lives.
While these methods are good, the will take time to create change. Meanwhile, you can have the greatest most immediate effect on your driving habits – and, potentially, how much you will pay for your auto insurance premium.
Consult with your insurance provider to make sure that you are taking full advantage of the savings that result from your good driving habits. Be sure to explore discounts.
