Don't Text and Drive: Safe Driving Saves You Money

Last Updated:
March 22, 2019
by
Karen Spencer
Time to Read:
minutes

According to research done by the University of Utah, using a handheld or hands-free mobile device slows a driver's reaction as much as someone with a blood alcohol content of .08, the legal limit in Ontario.

Distracted driving due to mobile devices isn't just a problem with teenagers. Drivers of all ages are susceptible to being dangerously distracted.

Remember, just because a driver is more experienced does not mean they can drive more safely while texting, calling, or otherwise being distracted by a mobile device.

To avoid a ticket and a potentially dangerous accident DO NOT USE YOUR CELLPHONE while driving. If you absolutely must make a phone call or text, pull off the road in a safe area to do so.

Would you think it was okay for a doctor to be texting, emailing, or carrying on an unrelated phone conversation while performing an operation? This may sound silly, but a driver and a doctor both have the safety of others in their hands.

Protect both your and other people's well-being while driving and put down your phone to keep both you and them safe on the roads.

✖ Do not talk on your cell phone or use messaging features

✔ If you must conduct a conversation, use a hands-free device and voice control features (ex. Siri)

✖ Never touch up your makeup or hair in the rear-view mirror while driving

✖ Limit conversation with passengers. Ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate

✖ Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will probably pay more attention to not burning yourself or putting out the cigarette than driving

✔ Only adjust the radio or CD Player when you are completely stopped

✖ Never allow animals to sit on your lap while driving

✖ Do not eat or drink while driving

✖ Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get your bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination

✖ Do not take notes or search for phone numbers

✖ Never use a cell phone (even with a hands-free device) in bad weather, work/school zones, or heavy traffic

For better or worse, your auto insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. This amount is determined by the insurance company to cover the costs of insuring you and your family as drivers on the road.

Before giving you a quote, insurance companies look at your driving record for the last three to six years.

Your driving record reveals how risky you would be as an insured. Those with lots of tickets and/or accidents are considered more of a potential liability because statistically, they will get into more accidents and have more tickets in the future.

If you have no accidents or tickets on your record recently, you may be eligible for a lower rate.

You may also be eligible for a significant discount after several years of good driving or for an accident forgiveness program if you've gone several years without an accident on your record.

For each year you go without an accident or ticket, you may be eligible to do away with your deductible.