Texting & Driving: Insurance Implications from Bruce Jenner Car Crash
This post originally appeared on www.INGUARD.com.
Last weekend, former Olympian Bruce Jenner was involved in a serious car accident. The crash involved multiple cars, resulting in several injuries and one fatality. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether or not texting while driving played a role in the incident.
If investigators determine that cell phones were in use in the moments leading up to the crash, it could result in substantial financial liabilities and, worst-case scenario, charges of vehicular manslaughter.
From icy roads to congested intersections, driving conditions can change at a moment’s notice. This requires drivers to dedicate full attention to the task at hand. Even with the highest level of awareness, accidents can still happen.
On average, 1.3 million people die in car accidents every year.
When you add distractions like texting, tweeting or talking on the phone, statistics show that these factors greatly increase the likelihood of an accident and associated fatalities.
If you text and drive, read the following post to understand the gravity of how this choice can impact your insurance, financial well-being and freedom.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving
On average, drivers take their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds to construct a text message—more than enough time to lose focus and control of their vehicle. The average driver’s reaction time to break is 2.3 seconds, which makes it is nearly impossible for a distracted driver to stop in time to avoid a collision.
According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, you are 23 times more likely to cause a car accident if distracted by texting or calling while driving. In fact, cell phone usage causes 26%of our nation’s car accidents.
Authorities have suspicion that distracted driving may have contributed to Jenner’s four-way car crash. At this time, investigators have obtained access to the drivers’ cell phone records, but have yet to confirm whether or not cell phones were in use.
State Laws and Enforcement
44 states have banned texting while driving, and with good reason. Punishment for violation varies by state and whether or not the violator has prior citations.
In the state of California, those who are found texting while driving are fined. First time offenders pay $20, which increases to $50 on second offense. If additional violations occur, other consequences are taken into consideration.
Insurance Implications: Liabilities and Comparative Negligence
Drivers can and will see increased insurance rates if they violate laws against texting while driving. The percentage increase depends on a number of factors, such as location, prior tickets and accidents.
While some argue that honoring insurance for drivers who cause cell phone-related accidents isimmoral, others defend that coverage for accidents and mistakes is exactly why we rely on and purchase insurance. For now, claims are paid out based on the insurance held by the policyholder(s) found liable.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), liability is associated with a legal requirement or responsibility, while negligence is the failure to act with responsible care to ensure the safety of others.
In this case, neglecting to pay attention to the road would cause a driver(s) to be held liable for the associated damages or financial restitution.
What does this mean for Jenner and the other drivers?
There are a number of factors involved in determining which driver(s) will be held liable for the accident, and to what extent. The use of cell phones could put one or more drivers in direct violation of California law. What’s more, investigators and the court may find shared responsibility between the parties.
Authorities and insurers will need to determine to what extent each driver is at fault, and how that will be reconciled legally and financially. Compensation paid to the victims and their families will depend on the findings of the investigation, policies held, the state in which the insureds live and (if necessary) how their policies address comparative negligence.
Regardless of the outcome, this event brings texting and driving safety concerns front and center in mainstream media. Use this as an opportunity to discuss this issue with friends, family and your insurance partner.
Learn more about how you can protect yourself and your vehicle from devastating occurrences with a comprehensive auto insurance program. Contact INGUARD to discuss your car insurance options and how to avoid costly circumstances like texting while driving.
Image Credit: Intel Free Press via Flickr