Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic. McSweeney & Ricci Insurance is committed to making a positive impact on the community. Part of that commitment is our mission to help educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. We all know that texting and driving causes accidents but the statistics are truly startling.
The Harsh Reality of Distracted Driving
4,637 people died in car crashes in 2018 due to cell phone use*
Distracted driving accounts for approximately 25% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities**
With the rise in cell phone usage, and the frequency with which teens post to social media using their phones, teenagers are the largest age group effected by distracted driving:
Driver Distraction is reported to be responsible for more than 58% of teen crashes. ***
Massachusetts is now a “Hands-Free” State. The law which takes effect February, 23rd, 2020 makes it illegal for drivers to use a mobile electronic device unless it is used in hands-free mode. Fines will begin to be issued for violators of the law on April 1, 2020. The new law should help deter drivers from driving distracted. To help further prevent drivers from using their cell phones while driving, McSweeney & Ricci wants to educate the largest segment of the population being effected by distractions while driving, teenagers.
Distractology at Cohasset High School
McSweeney & Ricci is excited to be hosting the Arbella Insurance Foundation’s Distractology program for Cohasset High School students from January 27th through January 31st of 2020. This free program offers captivating, real-life driving simulations and teaches new drivers the dangers of distracted driving.
Based upon data obtained from Arbella Mutual Insurance Company’s youthful operators who completed Distractology as compared to those who did not, from 2010 through 2014, “to date, drivers who have completed the Distractology training are 19% less likely to have a major /minor accident and 25% less likely to get traffic violations.”
Teens taking the training gain firsthand experience of how distractions interfere with their ability to react, avoid accidents and see hidden hazards, while safely behind the wheel of a driving simulator.In addition to the valuable experience they gain, teens completing the training are also given a $15 gas card.
The free program is only available to Cohasset High School students who have their Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License. 45 minute appointments are available from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Encourage your teen in Cohasset, Massachusetts to learn about how to avoid and ignore distractions while driving by taking the Distractology course at Cohasset High School.
Cohasset High School students can sign up for an appointment in the Guidance Office or during their lunchtime.
Click here to learn more about Distractology.
With local offices in Cohasset, Marshfield and Braintree, Massachusetts, McSweeney & Ricci Insurance offers complete and affordable home insurance, car insurance and business insurance to over 8,000 clients throughout New England. Click here for a complimentary policy comparison or insurance quote.
Sources:
* https://www.thezebra.com/texting-and-driving-statistics/
**https://teensafe.com/100-distracted-driving-facts-statistics-for-2018/
***https://teensafe.com/100-distracted-driving-facts-statistics-for-2018/
