The Coronavirus forced the country into a state of constant change for months as medical professionals and government leaders tried to learn as much as they could while offering safety guidelines. The auto glass industry was directly impacted when states began implementing stay-at-home orders, because it resulted in fewer drivers on the road. Fewer drivers meant the need for auto glass repairs and replacements decreased. Now that several states are well into reopening plans, many Americans are hitting the roads once more, during what the Zebra classifies as the “100 deadliest days of driving.” (The time period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.) The company recently published a report that highlights each state’s auto insurance premiums based on distracted driving.
According to the company, it surveyed just over 2,000 U.S. drivers and found:
- Almost two-thirds of U.S. drivers said, “I know I shouldn’t use my phone while driving, but I do, anyway.”
- Nearly 60% of respondents said using a phone behind the wheel caused their driving to get slightly or significantly worse.
- Most have read a message (58%) or sent a text (56%) while driving.
“Our survey was conducted online. We polled 2,605 U.S. residents who drive regularly – including at least 100 people in each of 25 major American cities. The sample included 1,305 men and 1,300 women. They ranged in age from 18 to 78, with a median age of 34,” a portion of the report reads.
The chart below shows insurance penalties for distracted driving for the top 10 states, which was provided by the Zebra.
| Rank | State | Avg. Rate – no violation | Avg. Rate – with violation | Financial difference | Percent difference |
| 1 | Connecticut | $1,696 | $2,780 | $1,084 | 64% |
| 2 | Vermont | $1,156 | $1,738 | $582 | 50% |
| 3 | California | $1,868 | $2,674 | $806 | 43% |
| 4 | North Carolina | $955 | $1,287 | $332 | 35% |
| 5 | New Jersey | $1,592 | $2,143 | $550 | 35% |
| 6 | Oregon | $1,463 | $1,964 | $501 | 34% |
| 7 | Ohio | $1,047 | $1,387 | $340 | 32% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $1,463 | $1,936 | $474 | 32% |
| 9 | Arizona | $1,470 | $1,925 | $455 | 31% |
| 10 | Montana | $1,534 | $2,004 | $470 | 31% |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified three main types of distractions while driving: taking your eyes off of the road (visual), taking your hands off of the wheel (manual), and taking your mind off of driving (cognitive). These are some of the factors that can attribute to vehicle accidents that result in the need for auto glass repair or replacements.
To view the full report, click here.
