Auto Safety Tips - Saving Lives & Money
Is texting or talking on the phone while driving really that dangerous?
Researchers found that your crash risk is
23 times higher
when you are texting and driving (Olson, 2009). What makes texting and driving so dangerous? Apparently, researchers
found that sending or receiving a text takes drivers an average of 4.6 seconds. Although that seems like no time at all,
consider this: If you’re going 55 mph, that’s like driving the entire length of a football field
blind.
So what about talking on a handheld phone? Well, unfortunately, that’s not safe either. One study found
that you are
4 times likelier to crash using a handheld device (Hosking, 2006).
We know many drivers see texting or talking on the phone as “convenient,” but these forms of distracted driving have proven to
be deadly. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 3,460 people died due to distracted driving in 2016 (NHTSA, 2017).
That’s nearly
100 people a day! This doesn’t even mention injuries: A whopping
424,000 people
were estimated to have been injured due to distracted driving in 2013 (NHTSA, 2015).
In short, it is dangerous. If you avoid distracted driving, you are a lot less likely to end up in an accident.
I’m about to take a road trip. What should I do to prepare for an emergency?
Road trips are great, but it’s important to be prepared in case you experience one of life’s unexpected adventures.
Here’s a checklist of things to do and to pack before you go on your next road trip.
Things to Do Before You Go
“Just-in-Case” Items to Bring
Following these safety tips can truly make a life or death difference on your trip. That’s why we suggest printing this
checklist , so you can go through it before every journey. Safe travels!