Property and Casualty Insurance (C) Committee
Thursday, August 15, 2024
12:30 PM CDT
McCormick Place Convention Center—S102—Level 1
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Distracted Driving
Background
Last Updated: 12/12/2024
Distracted driving has been an issue since the invention of the automobile, but with advancements in technology, it is now an epidemic in the United States. Although the use of technology is the most familiar form of distraction behind the wheel, distracted driving is operating a vehicle while doing anything else such as looking after children or pets, eating, reading, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio. In other words, distracted driving involves anything that diverts attention from the road.
With advancements in mobile technology and increasing reliance on and heavy use of smart phones, distracted driving is intensifying. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 8% of fatal crashes were attributed to distracted driving in 2022. That same year, 3,308 people were killed and an estimated 289,310 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. At least 20% of these fatalities are people outside of the vehicle like pedestrians and cyclists.
In addition to the tragedy of distracted driving fatalities, the increase in accidents equates to higher insurance costs. The higher the accident rate, the more claims insurers have to pay. Insurers in turn transfer these costs to customers in the form of higher premiums, often based on information about traffic violations and accidents from driving records. Over the 2016–2020 period, the average auto premium increased by 10.31%, and average liability premiums increased by 10.36%.
Actions
Many states have already taken action to stop distracted driving. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 49 states plus D.C, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands ban text messaging for drivers. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia ban all cell phone use by novice drivers while 30 states plus D.C. Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held devices. In 2017, Texas required all new drivers over the age of 18 to take a course on distracted driving supplied by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
To raise awareness of this issue, the Kansas Insurance Department partnered with universities across the state to advocate for safe driving with their "Don't Text #JustDrive" campaign in 2016. Missouri and South Carolina launched similar initiatives in 2017. In 2018, the NAIC launched a distracted driving awareness campaign and "Keep the Road Code" pledge inviting consumers to stay focused and responsible behind the wheel. NHTSA also has a distracted driving awareness campaign: Put the Phone Award or Pay.
Additionally, for companies whose employees drive as part of their regular duties, distracted driving can be an extra liability to consider. According to the National Safety Council, many companies have been found liable for millions of dollars when their employees have caused distracted driving accidents while on the clock. To reduce these liabilities, employers may consider adopting cell phone policies or installing apps to block the use of company devices while driving.
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