Looking over the driver's shoulder to keep them safe... 
When you are driving, do you keep your eyes on the road at all times? You may be tempted to answer yes, but we all take our eyes off the road due to distractions. We have talked in the past about the dangers of cell phone use, and the fact that many states have already restricted cell phone use while driving. All the attention on cell phones has distracted our attention away from an equally threatening culprit – radios and CD players.
According to the California Highway Patrol, changing CDs or fiddling with your radio is the number one cause of distracted driving, even ahead of cell phones. Some observers point out that the numbers may be a bit skewed as some drivers use the excuse of radio or CD player use so they won’t have to admit doing something illegal, such as using their cell phone. However, some law enforcement officials request to examine cell phones to determine if they were in use at the time of the accident.
Experts say that taking our eyes off the road while traveling at freeway speed to search radio stations or dial a phone number is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field without ever seeing what is around you. There are many culprits waiting to distract us while driving. Dealing with unruly kids and eating while driving are both in the top five causes of inattentive driver crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has produced a Driver Distraction Program to raise awareness.
The federal government has expanded their fight against driving distractions by pressuring automakers to rethink gadgetry they install in automobiles. Automakers advise they are trying to develop ways to provide useful amenities, but in a safe way. For example, automakers are working on systems that would mute ringers on in-car cell phones if the brake pedal is pressed or the headlights or windshield wipers are activated.
The fascination of all our modern gadgets, the use of which has become almost addictive, must be controlled to avoid needless accidents and injury. Many jurisdictions are making this kind of distracted driving a valid legal issue that, if proven, can result in a driver’s absolute liability in an accident.
Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.
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The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.
