Policyholders in these states are more likely to text & drive

During the past month, nearly 40% of U.S. motorists have sent a text message while driving, according to a survey of U.S. drivers by Assurance. Further, nearly 90% of Americans said they feel unsafe in a car with a driver that is texting. However, less than half of respondents said they feel unsafe if they are the ones texting a driving. It follows that distracted driving has become a leading cause of vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 3,500 people died as a result of distracted drivers in 2021 alone, the NHTSA says. When risky behavior such as texting while driving is chronicled, as it is when a driver is cited by law enforcement for texting, it's bound to impact insurance rates. Getting a ticket for texting while driving also has a negative impact on auto insurance rates, with premium increases of 10% to more than 30%, depending on the carrier. Related:

• U.S. traffic deaths see fourth consecutive quarterly decline
• Top reasons some insureds shun electric vehicles
• Keep calm & drive on: Tips for keeping a cool head in summer traffic