Driving And Talking Can Cost You

Most car insurance companies won't specifically refuse to write a policy because of a driver's habit of talking and driving, but statistics show those drivers who do are more likely to get into an accident than others. If an accident does happen, higher rates can ensue. So, the best advice from insurance companies is to hang up or pull over.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine's 1997 study, cell phone users were four to five times more likely to get into wrecks than those who didn't drive while distracted. Those using a hands free system were also no less likely to crash than those holding the phone. The fact of the matter is the problem is not the phone; it's the distracted attention.

With that said, almost all cell phone users know there are times when talking and driving cannot be avoided. These tips, can help lessen your chances for a crash:
* Make sure you can easily reach your phone while driving. If the phone can be mounted, put it in an area that's easy to reach.
* Understand how to use your phone without having to look. Better yet, buy a voice activated phone.
* Program frequently called numbers for voice recognition or speed dialing.
* Wait for stop lights, or better yet, pull over to dial. Anything that takes your eyes off the road is dangerous. Remember, accidents happen in split seconds.
* Don't use the cell phone when driving conditions are unsafe. While it's never wise to chat and drive, it's even worse to dial up and chat during rain storms, snow storms, high-traffic conditions and so on.
* Take care about the places you stop to make calls. Make sure the area is off the road and safe.
* Don't take notes while driving. If notes are necessary, have the caller call back and let them go to the voice mail system.

Even when the above tips are employed it's never "safe" to drive and talk. The best advice is to avoid the situation if at all possible. Pull over in a safe spot. Wait until you get home. Let the voice mail handle the call.

Don't forget, too, that cell phone use while driving is illegal in many states and some countries. The best bet if you don't know the law is to hang up and wait to make the call. Besides, doing so can save you from an accident and the insurance increases that can go along with it.