Many of us are guilty of talking on the cell phones when we are driving down the road. Based on the statistics the experts have revealed the fact that conversing on the phone and driving the car simultaneously poses great danger to the person and property within the car as well as on the road. The dangers of conversing and driving simultaneously are rising day-by-day with more and more people indulging in the act.
It is revealed that the distraction from driving is the single major cause for auto accidents in the U.S. When the drivers switch their concentration between the road and the telephone conversation, the risk of accident has been found to be four to five times more than the average.
Imagine the threat it holds with over 200 million cell phone-holding drivers on the road!
Today, the cell phones have a great role to play in the determination of the auto insurance policies to be held by you. Let us examine the association of cell phones and car insurance.
To explain in a nutshell, a rise in the auto accidents mean higher auto insurance rates. If your auto insurance has to be maintained at the affordable limits, make sure not to use the cell phones while driving.
But, if you are unable to stay away from the calls when you are driving on the freeway or otherwise, you need to take some precautionary methods that can go a long way in pulling down the number of motor accidents. Adopting these simple techniques can reduce the accident rates, and thereby, your insurance premium. Here are the techniques that can assist you to diminish the probability of accidents even if you are conversing on the phone.
Learn to handle your phone even without looking before driving as it can prevent unnecessary distraction while you are on the road.
Install a mobile phone mount in the car at a place within your eye level as this reduces diversion from driving. This also permits the placement of both hands on the wheel at all times.
Take advantage of a hands-free headset, whenever possible
Use voice-dial or program frequently-called numbers into the phone's memory so that your eyes will remain on the road at all times.
If you have to make a call, pull the car to the side of the road or wait for a stop light or request your co-passenger to perform the task for you.
Your decision to pull off the road has to be performed with great care, checking into the surroundings to minimize injury and accidents.
Refrain from conversing over the phone when you are in heavy traffic or bad weather.
Never take notes or check for phone numbers while driving as it enhances the scope for accidents.
However, the experts state that limiting the use of the phone when on the road is the best way to reduce distractions and accidents. But, where you need to talk over the phone while driving, practice safe driving techniques for rendering maximum safety.