RICHMOND—Each day, over 1,000 people are injured and nine are killed in crashes involving distracted driving, according to data reported by Drive Smart Virginia. Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. has long partnered with the nonprofit organization charged with raising awareness and changing behavior to improve roadway safety.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the observance reminds drivers to eliminate distractions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe three types of distracted driving—visual, manual and cognitive.

“Visual distractions take your eyes off the road,” said David Tenembaum, DSV treasurer and VFBMIC senior actuarial manager. “Manual distractions include taking your hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions occur when your mind wanders from the driving task at hand.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic, and cell phone use has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking.

By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash, according to the NHTSA.

In 2020, it became illegal in Virginia to hold a handheld mobile device while driving. DSV recommends enabling a “Do Not Disturb” app to block incoming correspondence while the vehicle is in motion. Or use your device’s hands-free options carefully.

“While there are many ways a driver can be distracted, handheld phone use is the most egregious, as it involves all three kinds of distraction—manual, visual and cognitive,” Tenembaum added. “For this reason, we encourage all drivers to put the phone down and concentrate on the important task of driving.”

He added that “hands-free isn’t risk-free. Even if the phone isn’t in your hand, there are still dangers involved when a driver doesn’t fully concentrate on the road.”

To limit distractions, motorists are advised to program GPS and hands-free devices before leaving the driveway. Pull over to a safe place when doing something that will take your eyes or mind off the road. Concentrate on driving—don’t drive when upset or too tired.

When free of distractions, a driver can be prepared for the unpredictability of other motorists who may be distracted themselves.

“Make sure that everyone is properly buckled,” Tenembaum said. “That’s your best defense against distracted drivers.”

One way Virginia Farm Bureau is trying to limit distracted driving is through its usage-based insurance program Drive2Save, in which motorists are rewarded with lower premiums for safe driving habits.

The Drive2Save program’s smartphone app runs in the background to gather driving information, allowing participants to track their driving scores and specific incidents that may impact their scores—like speed, cornering, hard braking and distracted driving.

“This gives participants a picture of what they’re doing well and where they can improve to become safer drivers,” said Ben Ashby, VFB underwriting personal lines manager. “And the more favorable the driving score, the lower the insurance premium.”

To learn more about the Drive2Save program, contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent or visit drivesmartva.org/current-projects.

Media: Contact Ashby at 804-290-1371.