Cell phone safety while driving

According to The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), using your phone while driving is a proven distraction — no matter the circumstances. Even when using voice-assisted dialing and a hands-free device, your brain may focus on the conversation and not fully on the task of driving, which is dangerous. Know the laws in the state and municipalities you drive in, and enable safer options on your phone before you get behind the wheel.

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Safety tips for driving with a cell phone

Distracted driving can cause accidents, injuries, and ultimately increase your auto insurance rates if you have an accident or get a ticket. To avoid distractions from your cell phone while driving, consider these safety tips and follow the cell phone laws where you drive.

Use safety features like hands-free speed dial or voice assistance
Most cell phones, and many cars that connect to your phone via Bluetooth, have speed dial and voice-assisted dialing and answering. Make voice-assisted calls before you try it while driving so you know how it works. Use speakerphone and other hands-free cell phone accessories if you do take a call while driving.
Avoid using your cell phone during hazardous driving conditions
Be prepared to suspend your call if you're driving in hazardous conditions such as snow, sleet, or rain, and when merging into heavy traffic. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road.
Avoid engaging in stressful conversations while driving
Stressful or emotional conversations are distracting and can become dangerous when you're behind the wheel of a car. Make people you're talking with aware you are driving and, if necessary, suspend conversations that have the potential to divert your attention from the road.
Use your cell phone to call for help
Your cell phone can be helpful for protecting yourself and others in dangerous situations. If possible, pull over and dial 911 or another local emergency number for emergencies such as a fire, traffic accident, road hazard, crime in progress, or serious emergency.

For non-emergencies, consider calling roadside assistance or another non-emergency number once you've pulled over or arrived at your destination.

For more information about cell phone safety and legislation, see the Legislative Tracking Database to follow your state's cell phone legislation and other current issues. Review the National Conference of State Legislatures to understand state laws for cell phone use while driving.