The IAA One Minute Blog

The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that traffic deaths and serious injuries in the United States are on a pace to rise for the first time in nearly a decade. The NSC says traffic fatalities in the nation will exceed 40,000 for the first time since 2007. Despite cars having more safety features than ever before, accidents continue to increase.

Auto Accidents

There were more than 18,600 auto related deaths from January through June, compared with 16,400 a year earlier, according to the NSC. Industry executives say the 14 percent surge in fatal accidents tracked by the NSC, was due to a combination of factors:

• Adverse weather in some parts of the country
• Economic recovery in the U.S. which means more drivers out on the road
• Lowest gas prices in years

 Communication devices also have a hand in the rise of accidents. According to the estimates by the NSC, one in four car crashes can be blamed on cell phone use.

Focus on the Road

It is important to maintain your focus as both you and other motorists around you, depend on it. To stay focused on the road:

• Avoid driving when tired: Be aware that some medications can cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.
• Don’t allow children to fight or climb around in your car (they should be buckled at all times). An accidental bump or too much noise can easily distract you from concentrating on driving safely. 
• Don’t be afraid to turn off your cell phone: Whoever just texted you can wait. Try putting your phone out of reach, turning your screen around or just shutting it off.
• Organize your stuff and avoid multitasking: Know where your important items are before driving off. Set up your GPS route before you hit the gas, get your EZ-Pass out or have toll money ready, and keep your morning coffee in the cup holder where it belongs. The better organized you are beforehand, the less you’ll have to search around and take your eyes off the road when you need something.
• Save the serious discussions for later: It is important not to lose yourself in stressful thoughts or serious conversations when you’re on the road.
• Use voice commands and Bluetooth sparingly: Hands free texting and talking are still pretty distracting. Your hands may be on the wheel, but it takes your mind and attention off the road.
• Always use caution when changing lanes: Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you to be safe on the road. Car crashes and traffic accidents could mean a lot of medical bills, which no one likes to have to deal with. When you get in the car, think of IAA reminding you to buckle up and keep your eyes on the road. It could save your life. Remember, with IAA one call does it all.

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