Analyzed Insurance

A new bill that would ban the act of texting while driving in Maine is working its way through the State Legislature.

Senator Bill Diamond is sponsoring LD 736, legislation that specifically aims to prohibit texting while driving. The bill would ban sending electronic communications, including text messages, instant messages and e-mails, using a portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

Using global positioning or navigation systems would not be included on the list of prohibited activities.

Violators would be fined a minimum of $100.

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Not sure if texting while driving is legal in your state?

This infographic from NPR offers a detailed look at each state’s current or proposed law for texting while driving.

Check it out at States Accelerate Effort To Ban Texting While Driving.

Pay particular attention to Utah, where offenders could face up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. That’s a hefty price tag that could get even higher if a point is added to your driving record and your auto insurance premium rises.

Texting while driving is both an expensive and dangerous habit that can lead to higher auto insurance rates for all consumers and roadways that are less safe.

Given their prevalent use among teenagers, mobile devices may present an even greater temptation while they are behind the wheel. However, a company recently announced it has released a new product that may help prevent young people from using a cell phone while driving.

TxTStopper is a device that can be installed in a vehicle that disables cell phone use while a car is in drive. Read more…

Auto insurance rates can go up as more motorists experience accidents, an occurrence that is compounded by people being distracted while driving.

One of the ways that vehicle operators may be distracted is by using mobile devices to text while driving. While the problem has focused on teenagers behind the wheel, a recent report shows that even adults are busy typing away while navigating the road.

According to a survey from the Pew Research Center, 47 percent of adults who use text messaging said they have done so while operating a vehicle. Read more…

Along with making the roads more dangerous, texting while driving can lead to higher auto insurance rates for consumers.

However, some states are taking measures against the practice in the form of new laws. Georgia recently passed a measure that prohibits vehicle operators in the state from texting while driving.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood complimented the state on its new regulations, which also included banning young people with a provisional license from using a cell phone while driving. He said the rules would make the state’s roads safer for motorists.

“It’s time for Americans to follow Georgia’s lead and just put their devices down,” LaHood said. “Text Read more…

12/23/2009

People who want to be responsible about drinking and driving have long known that it takes more than a few hours or a pot of coffee to sober up and safely hit the road. However, a recent study shows that it takes longer than many may expect to be fully operational behind the wheel after a night of drinking.

Reuters Health recently cited a study from Brown University showing that alcohol continues to affect the brain long after it has left the blood. In other words, those with a hangover continue to have slowed reaction times and concentration difficulties the morning after drinking, even though they would in many cases be able to pass a blood alcohol test.

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