Phones Down: Eyes on the Road

I pass drivers all the time who are looking down at their phones. It’s scary — and it makes me wonder why we don’t talk more about how dangerous it really is. If everyone understood the risks, wouldn’t more people put their phones down and focus on the road? 

The statistics are alarming: 

• 8% of fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes in 2023 involved distracted driving (NHTSA). 

• Nine people die every day in the U.S. from crashes reported to involve a distracted driver (CDC). 

• Young drivers are at the highest risk. In 2023, drivers aged 15–20 made up the largest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes. 

Here in Ohio, lawmakers recognized the danger. In October 2023, the state enacted a “phones down” law prohibiting drivers from holding handheld devices. Since then, distracted driving fatalities in Ohio have declined by 19% (Ohio State Patrol). That’s a real, measurable improvement — and proof that change is possible. 

But statistics and laws only go so far. The reality is, we all want to keep our loved ones — especially our kids — safe behind the wheel. 

Telematics Can Be Used as a Coaching Tool 

At ProtectALL, many of the insurance companies we represent offer telematics programs that track driving habits through a smartphone app or plug-in device. For families with young drivers, these programs are more than just technology — they’re coaching tools. 

Parents can see patterns in their child’s driving, like hard braking, speeding, or phone use. Instead of waiting until there’s a ticket or an accident, you can have constructive conversations in real time to help your teen build safer habits. 

Real Savings Available 

On top of improving safety, telematics can also save families money at a time when premiums keep climbing: 

• Most carriers offer an upfront participation discount (5–10%) just for enrolling. 

• Safe drivers can unlock additional discounts up to 30–40% after the monitoring period. 

Nationwide SmartRide®, Progressive Snapshot®, and Cincinnati RideWell℠ are just a few of the programs available. Those savings can add up quickly, especially for households already stretched by the cost of insuring young drivers. 

The Bottom Line 

Distracted driving is preventable — and we all have a role to play in changing the culture around it. By combining strong laws, family coaching, and tools like telematics, we can make the roads safer and ease the financial burden of auto insurance. 

If you’d like to explore whether a telematics program is right for your family, our team at ProtectALL can walk you through your options. Together, we can protect what matters most. 

Author: Judy Sivy