Cell Phones and Driving Don't Mix

There's a national debate going on about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, and for good reason. Chatting or texting while driving can greatly increase your chances of being involved in an accident.

Making matters worse, cell phones are becoming more and more sophisticated. Smartphones, PDAs, phones with full keyboards for convenient text messaging--this new technology makes it even more dangerous to drive while using a cell phone.

Cell Phone Use While Driving

New York was the first state to pass a law banning hand-held cell phone use while driving in 2001. Since then, several other states have banning hand-held cell phone use while driving unless they are using a hands-free device such as Bluetooth technology.

Texting While Driving

A number of states and Washington D.C have passed laws making it illegal to text message while driving. Texting is very distracting to drivers, and researchers at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers who text message while driving are 23.2 times more dangerous than drivers who are not using a cell phone. And a study from the University of Utah found that drivers who text message while driving are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Cell Phone Use While Driving Restrictions for Teens

Many states and Washington D.C ban cell phone use by novice drivers. This includes drivers with provisional licenses, graduated drivers license and learning permits. Teens face tougher restrictions on using cell phones while driving primarily due to their lack of driving experience.

It’s Still a Good Idea to Keep a Cell Phone With You

While it can be illegal to use your hand-held cell phone while you’re driving, it’s still a good idea to keep a cell phone with you while you’re driving. For safety reasons, if you are involved in an accident and need to get help to you location, having a cell phone would be incredibly important. Even for minor inconveniences such as a flat tire, having a cell phone will keep you from having to walk to a gas station to call for help.

If You Must Take a Call

If you’re driving and don’t have a hands-free device, but you have to make or take an important call, the best thing to do is to find a safe spot where you can pull off the road to use your phone.

Cell Phones and Car Insurance

Cell phone use while driving makes you a distracted driver. If you get into an accident while using your cell phone and driving, expect higher car insurance premiums. If you are paying too much for car insurance, compare multiple car insurance quotes with InsWeb.com to find a great price for the policy you need.