As cell phones distract drivers, car accidents keep increasing. The US law has made the use of cell phones while driving an offense. If you drive while talking on the cell phone, expect to be ticketed by the traffic officials. It is a precautionary measure against avoidable loss of life, limbs and property. Driving while using the cell phone is considered as a serious offense as it causes distraction and cause accidents. Tickets on your driving record will definitely cause your insurance premium rate to go up. Avoiding this risky habit can help significantly lower your insurance rates.
Drivers whose attention is divided between their driving and the cell phones are most likely to cause an accident. Accidents definitely lead to higher auto insurance rates. Driver’s eyes shift to the keypad of his cell phone when he dials a number. When he sends a text message, his eyes will be diverted for a much longer time and away from the road. Some drivers indulge in conversations and loose concentration while driving which is also a distracting and may cause a disaster. Studies have shown that cell phone conversation is equally hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Legislation on cell phone usage while driving
There is an increased use of cell phones by motorists while driving. The rate of accidents caused by these drivers is on the increase consistently. Many states have enacted several laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. The drivers should understand the cell phone legislat6ion in their states in order to keep their insurance rates from escalating. Some states have banned talking on cell phones while driving and others have made laws against driving and text messaging simultaneously. In California and Washington drivers must use hands-free devices and those who do not run the risk of being ticketed. In Minnesota and Alaska drivers who indulge in text messaging while driving are ticketed.
Newly licensed drivers
More restrictions are imposed on young drivers who use cell phones while driving. The laws in this respect are more stringent and special laws have been enacted by states restricting newly licensed drivers against the use of cell phones while driving. This law is applicable even when hands-free devices are used. Some states have limited these restrictions to only those with learner’s permits. Some other states place these restrictions depending on the age of the driver and classifying all drivers under 21 liable under this restriction. Point to remember here is that insurance rates for new drivers are already expensive. So violating the cell phone rules may push the insurance rates skywards.
Effect on car insurance rate
It is common knowledge that too many tickets on your driving record will cause increase in your car insurance rates. Combined with other violations such as speeding will cost heavily as the insurance company may not renew the policy of such drivers. So it is important to understand your state laws and be a safe driver following all the rules and avoid ridiculous increase of your auto insurance rate.
Avoiding use of cell phones while driving is not only safe but also makes good economic sense in terms of car insurance.