Driving while distracted can lead to an accident that harms you or someone else. On top of dealing with car damage and medical bills, you might also be saddled with increasing auto insurance costs. By committing to safe driving, you can avoid issues like these. Here are a few tips.

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

1. Never Use Your Phone

Don’t drive while texting or talking on the phone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues frequent warnings about the dangers of picking up the phone to send a text. It forces your eyes off the road for up to five seconds.

That’s enough time for an accident to occur, and you’re likely to see a spike in your auto insurance premiums if you’re at fault. Think of your phone as an emergency device. Use it only when you need help, and do so only after you stop the car.

2. Don’t Drive While Tired

You might think you can drive if you’re only a little bit tired, but underestimating your exhaustion can be harmful. Driving while drowsy can make it difficult to focus on the road, react in a timely manner, keep your attention, and identify potential threats while in motion.

The NHTSA reported that over 72,000 crashes between 2009 and 2013 included drowsy drivers and that at least 2.1% of fatalities in 2018 were attributed to driving while sleepy. If you feel fatigued, stay where you are and get some rest, and avoid medications with these side effects when driving.

3. Don’t Eat & Drive

It may seem like a fairly relaxed habit to reach down and grab a snack or a sip of coffee. Not only is one hand off the wheel, but you’re also focused on eating without causing a mess instead of paying attention to the road.

Spills can also be distracting and even harmful if the beverage is hot. Avoid snacking or sipping while driving to prevent potential accidents and auto insurance increases.

If you want a dependable auto insurance policy, contact Fritch Insurance in Beatrice, NE. They help customers throughout southeast NE and northeast KS find coverage, including homeowners and agriculture insurance. Visit their website to find out more about the company, or call (402) 223-3312 to speak with a representative.