Why drivers may pay more for texting and driving

Pennsylvania drivers may find that smartphone use could eventually play a role in determining their insurance premiums. Those in the insurance industry believe that drivers can be “coached out” of using their phones while driving. Therefore, basing premiums on smartphone use could lead to safer roads. A company called Arity tracks how smartphones are used in a vehicle.

For instance, it can provide evidence as to whether a smartphone is moving or resting on a flat surface. Arity is affiliated with insurance company Allstate, and its data shows that drivers who are distracted tend to be more expensive than those who aren’t. This was the conclusion reached after analyzing 160 million Allstate claims. Overall, the most distracted drivers cost 160 percent more than the least distracted motorists.

One reason for the expense is that distracted drivers tend to be in accidents that are more severe. For drivers who use their phones for navigation or other legitimate purposes, they are advised to keep their devices in airplane mode. It may also be best to set the app before the car starts moving. This may reduce the odds that operator will physically interact with the phone app while driving.

An individual who gets into an accident caused by a negligent driver may be entitled to compensation. Damages may cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Negligence may occur if an individual was using a phone while operating a motor vehicle. The same may be true if a driver was distracted for any other reason when a collision occurred.