Distracted driving: The dangerous habit we can't ignore | PEMCO

While common, driving distracted—especially looking at a cell phone—is almost always a bad idea for everyone on the road. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission states that 15% of fatal crashes in the Evergreen State are caused by distracted driving. And in 2023 alone, more than 600 people in Washington State were seriously injured in a distracted-driving related crash. 
 
Here’s another sobering statistic: Nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.  

What counts as distracted driving? 

Most people think of texting or talking on the phone when they think of distracted driving—but you can be distracted by lots of things when you drive. Here are other examples of distracted driving: 

• Adjusting the radio or turning on music 

• Adjusting your GPS or putting something into your car’s navigation system 

• Driving with pets (especially if they’re on your lap or in the front with you!) 

• Reaching for an object 

• Glancing too long at something outside of the car (e.g. scenery, an accident or stopped vehicle, etc.) 

• Mental drifting, which means being in such deep thought that you’re not focused on the road 

• Talking or laughing with passengers (In fact, this is the biggest cause of accidents for teen drivers—even more so than cell phones! The distraction of chatty passengers results in a sixfold increase in evasive maneuvers needed to avoid a crash.) 

• Eating 

• Applying makeup or checking in your visor mirror 

Preventing distracted driving 

We know it’s easier said than done, but the very best practice is to never multi-task while driving. Whether it’s adjusting your mirrors, selecting music, eating a fast-food sandwich, making a phone call, or reading a text, do it before or after your trip. Not during. 
 
We also recommend that you use apps that can help you avoid cellphone use while driving. Our telematics app, PEMCODOMETER, monitors some of your driving behaviors, as well as cell-phone usage while driving for 91 days. It can even get you a discount on your Auto premium for safe practices! 

If you’re a passenger, don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice the driver of the vehicle you’re in is distracted. Offer to help with navigation or music to help them stay focused on the road. 

Laws around distracted driving 

A world without distracted driving would be a much safer one.  

Studies show that when drivers are distracted, their reaction times are slower (which means they’re less able to respond to sudden changes on the road). And believe it or not, it’s not just by a little! The WTSC reports it takes drivers a full 27 seconds to fully refocus on the road after using a cell phone. In that amount of time, you can drive the length of three football fields in a car that’s moving at just 25 mph! 
 
A world without distracted driving would also include less tickets and traffic violations. 
 
Due to the increase in distracted driving with our reliance on cell phones and smart technology in our cars, many states have passed laws against distracted driving—some of which pose serious legal and financial consequences for those who get cited. 

In Washington: 

A first-offense ticket for using a handheld device while driving will cost you at least $136, according to the Washington State Patrol. A second offense will cost at least $234. You can also get a $99 ticket for other distractions like eating, if it’s interfering with safe driving and you’re pulled over for another offense. 

In Oregon: 

Drivers may pay nothing for a first offense if they opt into an approved Distracted Driving Avoidance course, according to Oregon.gov. However, a first offense that doesn’t contribute to a crash is still a Class B Violation, which means it can have a maximum fine of $1,000. A second offense—or a first offense that contributes to a crash—jumps to a Class A violation, which is punishable with a maximum $2,000 fine. Strike three within ten years will get you a maximum fine of $2500 and up to six months in jail. 

As you can see, it pays to drive distraction-free. 

Does a distracted driving fine impact your insurance? 

It may! 
 
PEMCO takes distracted driving seriously. When a driver’s record shows a distracted driving citation, their insurance premium can reflect the increased risk.    

“We consider our policyholders’ driving histories along with other details specific to them,” said Dawn Lee, PEMCO’s Chief Product and Underwriting Officer, “so it’s difficult to pinpoint an ‘average’ amount a distracted driving ticket can add to a policyholder’s premium.  

“However, I can say, one of the best things anyone can do to help minimize their insurance costs – whether they’re with PEMCO or another insurer – is to keep their driving records clean. Tickets can linger for multiple renewal periods and impact premium for years to come.”   

What can you do to help make the roads safer? 

• Commit to never looking at your phone while driving. The NHTSA has sponsored a “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, in which they encourage drivers to take a no-phone pledge and #justdrive.  

• If you’re a parent or caregiver, lead by example. Young and/or novice drivers are the most likely to experience a crash due to distracted driving. Show the young drivers in your life to never hold or manipulate a cell phone (or other electronic device) while driving, and demonstrate best practices by always staying focused behind the wheel. Keep an open line of communication with your young drivers about the responsibilities that come with driving. 

• If you’re a teacher or an employer, you can play a part, too! Consider spreading the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving. Ask your students, coworkers, or employees to take a distraction-free pledge. 
   

PEMCO prioritizes your safety  

  Sharing timely, carefully sourced information from trusted safety organizations is an important part of PEMCO’s worry less, live more commitment to PNW drivers. To learn more, check out our auto safety collection. 

* NOTE: Information shared here is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you have legal concerns, we urge you to contact a law enforcement source or attorney in your community.