State Farm Insurance - Auto, Life, Fire

Cell Phone Use While Driving

May 13, 2010

By Staff writer State Farm™ Employee

Why should you think twice before using your cell phone while driving? "Studies show that driving while talking on a cell phone is extremely dangerous and puts drivers at a four times greater risk of a crash," said Janet Froetsher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. Each year, it's estimated to cause:

  • 636,000 crashes
  • 330,000 injuries
  • 12,000 major injuries
  • 2,600 deaths
  • $43 billion in damages

Know the Cell Phone Driving Laws in Your State

States and local jurisdictions are responding to the dangers with a variety of new laws. Cell phone use by novice drivers is restricted in many states. Some states have banned handheld cell phone use. Some states have banned texting. Learn which cell phone driving laws apply in your state.

When Talking Absolutely Can't Wait

  • Always use a hands-free device.
  • Pull over to make calls. Even hands-free talking can be distracting. So move safely out of traffic and make your call while parked.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Use voice-activated controls when talking is absolutely necessary.

Texting

There's no reason to sugarcoat it: Texting while driving is a BAD idea. A recent study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) shows that texting while driving makes you 23.2 times likelier to be involved in a crash or near crash. That's why many states have passed laws partially or completely banning texting while driving. More states are likely to follow. See which states have banned texting.

    Was this article helpful?Yes ()  |  No ()

    Learning Center Forum Topic

    What issues have you seen when drivers use their mobiles?
    No comments.

    Add Your Comment

    Comments come from the public: We do not verify all information shared by those commenting. Except for messages posted by Authorized State Farm Contributors, the comments, opinions, and statements made by public contributors do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or practices of State Farm and are the responsibility of those individuals who created the information.

    Want to participate in online communities? Read State Farm's Community Guidelines first.

    This Learning Center provides general information about insurance and financial services products, as well as other general content, and is provided for educational purposes only. Read More

    Some content on this site includes content, information, or opinions provided by third parties or other sources. Content, information or opinions provided by third parties or other sources do not necessarily represent the opinions of State Farm and should not be interpreted as reflecting State Farm's position regarding any insurance product or the manner by which State Farm handles claims.

    State Farm does not warrant any content, information, or opinions of any third party or other source. Articles or content about insurance or financial services or other general content do not necessarily represent products or services offered by State Farm. This Learning Center may link to or interface with other Internet sites that State Farm does not maintain or control. State Farm does not sponsor or endorse those sites or the content, information, materials, or information on those sites. State Farm is not responsible for anything contained on such sites and makes no warranties or representations about the information, opinions, contents, products, or services offered on such sites. Not all of the products or services discussed on this site are available through State Farm. The information on this site is not a contract, binder, or agreement to extend insurance coverage. Any coverage descriptions provided on this site are general descriptions and are not a statement of contract. All applications are subject to underwriting approval. Coverages and availability may vary by state or province.

    Life Insurance and Annuities Issued By:
    State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not Licensed in MA, NY, or WI)
    State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI)
    Bloomington, IL

    Questions?

    Find a local agent below, or call us anytime at
    1-800-447-4930

    Get a Rate Quote Now

    Facebook Activity