April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and although this is a relatively new national awareness program, the problem of distracted driving is quickly reaching epic proportions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2014 alone over 3,100 people were killed and over 430,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers. The problem of distracted driving impacts individuals, families, and even businesses that rely on delivery drivers or service vehicles. Any driver that is distracted by text messages, phone calls, eating or drinking, adjusting a radio or navigation system, or talking to other passengers can become a driving threat to themselves, other passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. In today's blog post, we look at some important ways to stop distracted drivers, and encourage safe roadway behavior.

Put Down The Cell Phone

By far, cell phones are the biggest cause of distracted drivers on U.S. roadways as they have become cheaper while increasing in popularity and functionality. Because cell phones do so much more than just make phone calls, drivers are even more distracted by text messages, photos, social media, movies, emails, maps, and even games. If you find yourself regularly distracted by your cell phone as you drive, then be sure to turn off your ringer and notifications before you start your drive to reduce distractions and eliminate the temptation to use your phone. In addition, you might also consider giving your phone to a passenger to hold, or putting your cell phone out of sight in a purse, glove compartment, or center console.

Take Action When You See Distracted Drivers

There are instances when we find ourselves as the passenger of a distracted driver, or an eyewitness to another distracted driver on the roadway. In these situations, it is best to take action and be willing to reduce distracted driving. If you're a passenger, hold the driver's cell phone and offer to make a phone call or send a text for them instead of handing the phone to them. If you witness a commercial driver texting or driving distracted, get the company and vehicle information to report them to their supervisor. Often businesses are unaware that their employees are breaking the law and endangering themselves and others by driving distracted.

Develop Strong Commercial Driving Safety Programs

A substantial number of businesses rely on commercial vehicles to make service calls, deliver merchandise, and make repairs, but their drivers need strong training programs to ensure roadway safety at all times. Companies that utilize commercial drivers should develop strong commercial driving safety programs to include ways to avoid distracted driving, strong penalties for using cell phones while operating vehicles, and rewards for safe driving records. Drivers should be trained to make all calls and send any messages before getting behind the wheel, and also make sure they are not eating, reading, or using navigation systems while operating their trucks and vehicles.

Be A Good Example For Young Drivers

Teenagers and young adults make up the largest percentage of victims in distracted driving car accidents, since they are often connected to cell phones throughout the day. It is important for parents and other adults to set good examples at a young age to encourage safe driving habits for teenagers. If teens constantly see parents and other adults putting cell phones away before driving and not being distracted while on the road, they are far more likely to practice safe driving habits themselves, and also encourage their friends to do the same.

Motor vehicle accidents are often avoidable when proper precautions are taken, but when accidents do occur, it's crucial to have quality auto insurance in place. Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is committed to protecting both personal and commercial drivers, as they take to the roads by providing outstanding and reliable auto insurance at competitive rates. Contact Aegis today at 713-850-7622 for more information about our Personal Auto Insurance and Commercial Auto Insurance coverage.