According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes and more than 3,500 people died because of distracted drivers in 2021 alone.
These statistics highlight the fact that when a driver is ticketed with distracted driving, it’s going to have an impact on insurance rates.Insure.com documented the extra cost a consumer is predicted to pay at some of the most popular auto carriers, if a consumer receives a ticket for distracted driving:
- Progressive: 31% increase
- Geico: 12% increase
- State Farm: 13% increase
- Nationwide: 17% increase
- Allstate: 18% increase
- Farmer’s: 18% increase
Texting and driving is illegal in 47 states, and yet nearly half of drivers in the United States admit to texting and driving. Approximately 1 in 5 drivers that text and drive are ticketed.
Texting and driving does not only affect you: it affects your passengers, other drivers on the road and the families of everyone involved. To avoid the temptation of distracted driving, put your phone away while you drive, or disable certain features on your phone while driving. If you are caught driving distracted, it will not only affect your insurance rates, but has the potential to impact the safety of many people involved. Don’t text and drive.
If you have questions about auto insurance, call or text our agency today at (360) 514-9550. We’d love to make sure you are protected against other distracted drivers on the road.
