A recent study by one of the car insurance companies represented by InsureDirect.com has revealed that more women than men are distracted while driving on American roads. Some of the peculiar habits that are rampant among female drivers include: applying makeup, texting, taking photos, changing songs on multimedia devices, adjusting GPS settings and eating while driving. While my wife is not happy I have chosen this discussion for today’s post, Sue can’t dispute the story and the serious nature of the subject.  She also admitted to me she is does not allow herself to become distracted behind the wheel and those whom are guilty of being distracted should consider the safety of others. 

The study ran parallel with another one that tested drivers’ knowledge about state road rules. The findings were indeed shocking as the given figures show: 

•  52% of women drivers admitted that they normally eat while driving. This is a 25% rise compared to the year 2010. 44% of men admitted to doing the same.
• 83% of women drivers admit to texting especially when they stop at red lights. 71% of men said that they do the same.
• 38% of women drivers claimed that they rarely engage in activities which might distract their driving. 46% of men also claimed the same. 

The figures above represent a horrible trend that is widespread in the US. As a result, the Department of Transport has been forced to step up its campaign to reduce this dreadful habit.  The DOT sponsored a crackdown on cell phone use on the road in Syracuse, New York and Harford, Connecticut last year. The Syracuse crackdown took place in April, July, October 2010, and again in April of 2011. Spotters were hired to observe the behavior as a flurry of tickets was issued to those found guilty of the offense.  Law enforcement agencies issued more than 9,500 tickets in the counties of Syracuse and Onondaga.

In July this year, the New York Commissioner of Motor vehicles announced a 32% decrease in cell phone usage on the road following the revamped efforts to curb the menace. The pilot program witnessed better results in Hartford were cell phone use by drivers cut back by 57%. The DOT plans to launch the program statewide.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 20% of road crashes with serious injuries reported in 2009 were as a direct result of distracted driving. This has made it almost impossible to obtain cheap car insurance quotes in many states.

If you have received a Citation for using a cell phone or been convicted of other distracted driving issues, your auto insurance may have been increased by your carrier.  InsureDirect.com represents many auto insurance carriers which surcharge  less or not at all for these infractions. Once call to InsureDirect.com  (800) 807-0762 will provide you quotes for the nations top 30 auto insurance companies.  If you can’t save money with us, you can’t save money anywhere -PERIOD!

– Mike