States Ring in the New Year with Tougher Laws on Distracted Driving

Of the four states with stronger laws regarding cell phone use and texting that take effect Jan. 1, 2010, Oregon goes the farthest by banning the use of hand held devices and texting for all drivers. The new law in Oregon also prohibits people under age 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving. Illinois is placing new restrictions on hand held devices and bans their use in construction and school zones. Kansas is implementing a ban on all cell phone use and texting for young drivers who have learner's permits and intermediate licenses. New Hampshire is cracking down on texting and implements a ban on this activity for all drivers.

“These four states are joining a growing number states and localities that are implementing or strengthening restrictions on cell phone use and texting,” said Robert Passmore, senior director of personal lines for PCI. "In 2009, 17 states implemented or strengthened cell phone and texting laws. The enactment of these laws is positive; however it takes a coordinated strategy combining education and enforcement to get results. All drivers have a responsibility to exercise good judgment in all of their driving activities and cell phone use only represents one of a laundry list of distractions that can lead to a crash."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the worst offenders are the youngest and least experienced drivers: men and women under 20 years of age.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are statewide bans on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone in seven states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) and the District of Columbia.

The use of all cell phones by novice drivers is restricted in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 19 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, novice drivers are banned from texting in nine states (Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and West Virginia)

“Driving safely is a matter of personal responsibility,” said Passmore. “PCI supports initiatives to increase the knowledge of motorists on the hazards of distracted driving and identify steps that motorists can take to prevent distractions from affecting their driving performance.”

PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $180 billion in annual premium, 37.4 percent of the nation’s property casualty insurance. Member companies write 44 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 30.7 percent of the homeowners market, 35.1 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41.7 percent of the private workers compensation market.