Using a cell-phone while you drive is not a very good idea. Many states have made it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while you drive. In these states, you must use some kind of hands free device to be in compliance with the law. However, two problems still exist. One is that you must still dial a number and two you can still be easily distracted by the conversation. One study found that 3 out of 4 of all drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving. Another recent study also revealed that approximately 3 out of 4 teen drivers admitted to either sending or reading text messages while driving. Teen drivers are already the highest risk group of drivers even without cell phones. With the increased use of cell phones while driving, premiums for teenage drivers will continue to rise.

Cell-phones or cellular phones as they are properly called are a fairly new technology and could even be called a phenomenon because almost all drivers own one. They have however had an adverse effect on driving habits and ultimately car insurance premiums due to the increased frequency of accidents that can be attributed to their use. It’s a fairly simple principle, when you are using a cell phone you are not able to give the road your full attention. This means that while you are behind the wheel, you must be doing 2 things at once. Most people can but they are putting themselves in a situation that dramatically increases the chances of having an accident. Studies indicate that you are about 4 times more likely to have a car accident if you are using a cell-phone while you drive. Insurance companies are struggling to figure out how to rate or charge extra for this increased hazard. An example of insurance companies charging more for an increased hazard is that they typically charge a higher rate to the driver that drives a car 10 or more miles  to work one-way. This is because the likelihood of you being involved in an accident increases due to the fact that you are on the road during rush hour. More cars are on the road and more cars are rushing to and from work during these times and thus, you are driving during a time that statistically produces more car accidents. The insurers will then charge you a higher rate to account for this increase in risk.

In the case of a bad car accident resulting in injuries, insurance companies could possibly subpoena phone records in an effort to prove that the driver was using a cell phone when an accident occurred. They could further use testimony from witnesses as well. Many states are also giving police officers the legal authority to stop and ticket drivers solely based upon cell phone use while driving. Insurers typically check driving records upon the purchase of a new automobile insurance policy and periodically at renewal time. In our opinion, drivers with tickets for using a cell phone while driving will pay higher premiums in the future just as they often do now for a speeding ticket. It’s just a matter of time before the industry figures out the appropriate means by which they will underwrite for this occurrence.

The resulting cause of most auto accidents is some form of driver inattention. With few exceptions, they don’t happen on purpose and that’s why we call them accidents. When they do happen, the actual reason that a driver is not paying attention is often debatable. Each driver will often blame the other and since most accidents are fairly minor, the real reason for the driver’s inattention becomes difficult to prove. Using a cell phone while driving is just another version of the same old problem of driver inattention. Another way for drivers to be distracted. Another way to do 2 or more things at once when operating a car. Another reason to take your eyes off the road while driving.

Although most drivers won’t admit to using a cell-phone while they drive, you can’t deny it to yourself. It’s even harder to deny the times behind the wheel when each and every one of us has almost had an accident while talking on or using a cell phone. It’s really common sense and all drivers should either minimize or stop using cell phones while we drive. You could be saving your own life.

Click here for more information about using a cell phone while driving by the Insurance Information Institute