You’re on your way to work and realize that you forgot to tell your husband to pick up the kids from school. What would you do?

1. A.    Text him – you can send him a quick message and get back to driving.
2. B.    Call him – you can watch the road at the same time.
3. C.    Wait until you stop at a stoplight and text him, no texting and driving!
4. D.    Call/text him when you get to work.

If you answer is D, you chose the safest answer. Obviously, you should not text or call while driving, and even waiting until you get to a stop light is still a bit distracting.

As cell phones and texting become our primary means of communication, it is important to remember the incredible danger that accompanies it. Here are a few statistics posted on the National Safety Council Website:

• A University of Utah driving simulator study found drivers using cell phones had slower reaction times than drivers impaired by alcohol at a .08 blood alcohol concentration, the legal intoxication limit.
• In 2008, the prevalence of drivers talking on cell phones was 11% at any moment during the day.
• A minimum of 200,000 crashes are likely attributed to text messaging.
• A 2009 Nationwide Insurance public opinion poll found nearly 40 percent of teens and young adults surveyed sent and received text messages while driving.
• 16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
• Of those drivers involved in fatal crashes who were reportedly distracted, the 30- to 39-year-olds had the highest proportion of cell phone involvement.

We could go on and on about how important it is to not use your phone and drive, but it all comes down to a certain question: Is that phone call or text message worth it, or can it wait until you reach your destination?

It is the law in South Carolina to have auto insurance; however, it is not a state law to stay off of your phone while driving. It is important to know your coverage should you be involved in an automobile accident caused by distracted driving. If you are looking for South Carolina Auto Insurance look no further – give us a call: 877-321-8037.

Do you think you are pretty good at concentrating? Try this awareness test to see just how good you think you are at focusing and knowing your surroundings: