Distracted Driving Takes Toll on Safety, Auto Insurance Rates

Much has been made in the national media about distracted driving and the effect it can have on safety and auto insurance rates, generally in the context of texting and using cell phones while driving.

However, a recent tragedy in Pennsylvania drives home the fact that distracted driving can take many unpredictable forms.

According to various media reports, one person was killed and another critically injured in a crash caused by a teenage driver who had been distracted by her mp3 player.

"She apparently was having problems with her iPod, reached down, wasn't paying attention, lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed over the two northbound lanes, went up onto the sidewalk, the young girls had their back to the vehicle, the vehicle just ran over them," police superintendent Michael Chitwood was quoted as saying by CBS3.com.

Many Americans have seen news reports warning of the danger of cell phones and texting while driving. However, this is just one way to engage in unsafe and distracted driving.

Even activities like eating and putting on makeup while driving should be considered unsafe to people who are serious about safety and maintaining reasonable auto insurance rates.