We have all seen them on the road. You probably know some habitual offenders. But to be honest you are probably one of them! I know I have been guilty of distracted driving. From checking your cell phone to changing the radio dial—there are many distractions available to drivers. Most people don’t think they are impairing their driving or they think they are still a “good” driver while multi-tasking. At Hennessey, Thames and Leavitt Insurance Agency in Vicksburg, MS we know distracted drivers have become a norm on the road ways and we want to make sure you are aware too!
In fact, 450,000 people were reportedly injured in accidents that involved any form of distracted driving last year. More than 5,000 of those people died. The US Department of Transportation says there are 3 main categories of distracted driving. Visual distractions like taking your eyes off the road. Manual distractions like taking your hands off the steering wheel. Cognitive distractions such as letting your mind wander or thinking about things other than driving.
Obviously, the biggest culprit is your cell phone. Cell phone usage while driving literally involves all 3 main categories of distractions. You become visually, manually, and cognitively distracted. It’s better to wait until you aren’t driving to answer texts and use other apps. Like Dexter McCluster used to say “If you want to stay alive, don’t text and drive.” But we know not everyone cares about their safety or the safety of others. So how do you protect yourself from distracted drivers?
Hennessey, Thames and Leavitt can help you design a car insurance program that will ensure you have adequate liability limits and protection for damage to your vehicle. Hennessey, Thames & Leavitt Insuarance Agency helps clients think out of the box to ensure the best possible protection for you and your family from distracted drivers. Maybe you struggle with distracted driving yourself-- while coverage is not excluded for distracted driving, you may want to carry a really high limit of liability. Even though you are not trying to, you have a higher chance of hurting someone or damaging property. Many of the car insurance companies that Hennessey, Thames and Leavitt represent offer liability limits up to $500,000 with some offering up to $1 million. If you are constantly distracted you should carry really low deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage because again, you have a higher chance of wrecking your vehicle. OK—so the fix is to beef up your car insurance policy? No, you should put your phone down. At the end of the day, you’re barreling down the road inside a heavy chunk of metal—treat it as such. Other people want to make it home to their families too.
Call Hennessey, Thames and Leavitt in Vicksburg, MS today to discuss how you can be better protected from distracted drivers. Our car insurance professionals are available to discuss your auto insurance options Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:45 pm. Visit us online at www.leavitt.com/Vicksburg and request and auto quote today!
