Distracted Drivers Are Everywhere
November 22nd, 11Millions of people will hit the road for Thanksgiving weekend. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year. While you may be insured properly most drivers don’t like the thought of actually having to use that insurance– especially due to the fault of a distracted driver. Most of us probably feel like distracted drivers are all around us on the road. We’ve seen people texting and checking emails, chatting on the phone and even putting on makeup. But a new study reveals that those in the lane next to you are increasingly distracted.
If you’re driving in the Greater Portland area a new study found that one in three drivers are likely breaking the law by using a cell phone without a hands-free device. One in four are texting and emailing while driving. That’s according to a survey from PEMCO Insurance which also found that Portland-area drivers are upset about sharing the road with these potentially dangerous drivers. “Distracted-driving laws are becoming common across the U.S., and for good reason,” said PEMCO spokesperson Jon Osterberg in a news release. “Distracted driving is dangerous, and while our poll results show that most drivers agree, we need to raise awareness to help lower the number of drivers who are focused on their phones rather than on the road.”
Of those polled, 31 percent say they’ve used their cell phones without a hands-free device and 26 percent say they’ve used their phones to text or email while driving. But 42 percent say that texting violations should warrant a $142 fine and another 55 percent believe that offense should go on a driver’s record. Probably not surprising, drivers under 35 years old are more likely to say the fine is too hefty.
Tags: good reason, price tag, busiest travel times, Portland-area drivers, Text messaging, older counterparts
