Text-Free Driving: You've got This
Updated January 4, 2022 . AmFam Team
Love your phone? You're not alone – so do we! Discover our hints for text-free driving that protect you, your passengers and your dreams. While mobile phones have made our lives easier by keeping us connected and providing endless entertainment, the number of accidents, injuries and deaths from texting behind the wheel make it clear that taking the risk of distracted driving is simply not worth it.
- Texting increases your crash risk by 23 times as compared to driving while not distracted.
- Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded!
Protect Yourself from Distracted Driving
These savvy habits from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can help you stay focused on your drive.
Out of sight, out of mind. Put your phone in a place where you can't reach it, and it isn't going to be a distraction.
Silence is golden. Turn your ringer and notifications off to reduce the temptation to check your phone.
Find your app. There are a variety of apps that help prevent you from texting while driving.
Designate a texter. Ask your friend to use their phone to send any messages that simply cannot wait.
Be a good old-fashioned role model. Your daily habits are watched by your kids, spouse and friends. By not reaching for your phone, you're sending a powerful reminder to stay present behind the wheel. Nice work! Start good driving habits from the beginning and reinforce them so they last a lifetime.
*Program discounts will vary based on driving behavior. The KnowYourDrive discount applies only to the following variable coverages, which are typical for most auto policies: bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision and comprehensive, medical expense, underinsured and uninsured and personal injury protection. Additionally, the discount does not apply to fixed fees that are part of your policy.
