Avoid Those Cell Phones While Driving

October 6, 2015||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, cell phone, distracted drivers, personal insurance

At any given daylight moment in the United States, nearly 700,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA reports that an estimated 421,000 people were injured in auto accidents in 2012 involving a distracted driver, a 9 percent increase from the prior year.

Avoid Those Cell Phones While Driving
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711
And 31 percent of American drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before the survey.

Cell phones, and particularly smartphones, are considered one of the leading driver distractions. As a result, more communities are placing restrictions on drivers’ use of cell phones. The following tips are offered to motorists with regard to cell phone use in vehicles.

  • You should wait until the car trip is complete before placing a call. Your cell phone’s voicemail feature should answer a call while driving.
  • Consider keeping the cell phone completely out of reach in your car to keep the temptation from usage at bay.
  • Absolutely essential calls should only be performed while stopped. However, it is not wise to pull over on the side of the road where a rear-end collision is possible. Instead, you should pull into a parking lot to perform this task.
  • If you have to make a call, take advantage of speed-dialing capabilities.
  • At a minimum, you should never drive and talk on the cell phone during stressful, emotional, or complex discussions since the risk of an accident is heightened during such times.
  • You should never text-message while driving.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc.  Copyright 2015

Read Other Blog Posts

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to stay vigilant about your digital safety. From phishing scams to hacked home devices, cyber threats can affect anyone. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and work, and see how personal cyber insurance can help safeguard your finances and identity.
Read more
Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Read more
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Read more
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Read more
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Read more
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Read more
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Read more
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected. Visit our auto insurance page to learn more.