INDUSTRY INSIGHT
INSURANCE
SPONSORED CONTENT
DON ’ T DRIVE DISTRACTED
Ever since the ubiquity of smart phones Distracted driving has become a primary Driver of automobile accidents . In today ’ s fast paced world of constant availability , it ’ s easy to succumb to the temptation to peek at the latest email , text message or Facebook update that pops up , even while you are at the wheel .
Studies have found distractions can slow a drivers reaction time to the same extent as driving under the influence of alcohol . In fact 14 % of fatal automobile accidents involve a driver distracted by their use of a cellphone while operating their vehicle . And while texting while driving is the main culprit other phone activities such as operating a GPS driving app on a phone can be just as distracting .
Any type of distraction while driving is serious and dangerous , consider these tips next time you take the wheel .
• Keep your phone far from you in your vehicle or turn it off completely , keeping your phone out of sight , out of reach , and out of mind removes any temptation and allows you to keep your full attention on the road .
• Let calls go to voicemail . If you hear it ring don ’ t even look down to see who it is , that split second you take your eyes off the road can be more than enough time to get into an accident . If you absolutely need to make a call pull off to the side of the road . A truly important call will demand your full attention , and getting off the road respects the safety of yourself and those around you .
• Use an app that helps you stay off your phone while driving . AT & T offers the “ Drivemode ” app that can detect when you are driving and reply to texts automatically for you to inform others that you are on the road . Some insurers Such as Erie insurance offer an app that rewards drivers that drive safely and leave their phone alone while doing so .
• Most importantly NEVER TEXT WHILE DRIVING . Pennsylvania is one of the 48 states in the US that bans text messaging while operating a vehicle . So not only is texting and driving as dangerous as drinking and driving , its just as illegal as well .
So , stay safe . When on the road , give your full attention to the task at hand . Don ’ t give in to the world ’ s demand that you always stay available .
We at the Bill Flinn Agency work hard to make sure you have the coverage you need , but want to remind you to be careful out there and stow the phone so you can avoid the needless accidents , injury and deaths that driving distractions can cause .
Most homes are underinsured
by an average of 19 % *
Do you have enough coverage to rebuild ?
Company A $ 47,000 Underinsured
Erie Insurance 100 % Guaranteed
Bill Flinn Agency Inc
2754 S Park Rd Bethel Park , PA 15102-3858 www . billflinnagency . com
412-833-5351
Company B $ 51,000 Underinsured
Company C $ 38,000 Underinsured
* 64 % of homes are undervalued — and potentially underinsured — by 19 %, according to Marshall & Swift / Boeckh , a leading provider of building cost data to real estate professionals . ** ErieSecure Home SM with Guaranteed Replacement Cost requires home improvements over $ 5,000 to be reported within 90 days . Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits . Depreciation may be deducted until repair or replacement is made . Visit www . eriesecurehome . com / details or talk to your ERIE Agent for more information . Not all companies are licensed to operate in all states . Go to erieinsurance . com for company licensure and territory information . Equal opportunity insurer . S1420b 5 / 12
BETHEL PARK ❘ FALL 2022 21