New Jersey auto insurance influenced by distracted drivers
Plymouth Rock Assurance, an auto insurance organization based in New Jersey, has released the results of a new survey concerning distracted driving. The survey suggests that texting while driving remains a significant problem in New Jersey. Though not implied by the survey, this problem could be contributing to the rising costs of auto insurance. Distractions are taken very seriously by the auto insurance sector, and any distraction could be justifiable cause to raise premiums due to the inherent risks they represent.
Many drivers text while operating a vehicle
According to the survey, approximately 28% of drivers in New Jersey claim to have read or sent a text message while operating a vehicle, with 27% claiming to have been programming a GPS system while driving. A staggering 47% of passengers claim to have told drivers to stop texting while operating a vehicle. The survey suggests that texting while driving continues to represent a somewhat dangerous problem. It may be surmised that if this problem continues or grows, it could soon be reflected by the auto insurance sector.
Distracted driving is pushing auto insurance costs higher
The survey shows that 15% of drivers claimed to have been involved in a near accident due to the distractions caused by mobile devices. Another 20% claim to have known someone that has been in an accident due to distractions. The role mobile devices play in distracted driving has pushed many auto insurance companies to petition lawmakers to adopt new policies that ban the use of mobile devices while people are operating vehicles.
Drivers disinclined to follow state ban on texting
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of vehicle accidents in New Jersey. The prevalence of this problem has contributed to the continued rise of auto insurance premiums throughout the state. Even though the state has instituted a ban on texting while driving, consumers have shown that they are disinclined to follow the law. This is also contributing to rising auto insurance costs.