:: Welcome to the Insurance Council of New Jersey ::

Reforming New Jersey's Automobile Insurance System: Five Years Later

Auto reform anniversary report shows auto premiums drop of three straight years.

Download a copy of the ICNJ Auto Reform Report

Wireless Phone Safety

According to a recent Insurance Research Council survey, almost all Americans (91 percent) believe that the use of cellular phones while driving distracts drivers and increases the likelihood of accidents. Eighty-nine percent of cellular phone owners agree that using cellular phones while driving distracts drivers and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Even though American believe that talking on the phone while driving can be dangerous, it continues to be an irresitible temptation for many drivers. Of those surveyed, 13 percent admitted to using their cell phone while driving frequently, 6 percent admitted to using it fairly often, 21 percent use their phone sometimes and 33 percent rarely use their cell phone while driving.

Whether used for life-saving communication or to make business and personal lives more efficient, more people are depending on their wireless phones each day.

ICNJ suggests that motorists use caution and not let their phone become a distraction when they are behind the wheel. Your wireless phone gives you the freedom and flexibility to stay in touch when you travel. However, the safe and responsible use of the phone depends entirely on you. Your life and the lives of others are at stake.

Purchase a phone with built-in safety features. If you plan to use your phone in the car, shop for one with speed or voice-activated dialing or buy a hands-free speaker model. Pre-program frequently dialed numbers into speed dial or voice activated dialing. Both of these safety features allow you to watch the road while making calls. Hands-free speaker phones are safer than hand held phones because you can talk on the phone and still keep both hands on the steering wheel.
Ensure your safety and the safety of others. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. You cannot do this if you are playing with buttons on your mobile phone. Make sure to install the phone where you can easily reach it and see the key pad without diverting your eyes from the road.
Be sure you know how to use your cell phone properly. Fumbling with the phone while driving can be very dangerous. Take time to learn the functions of all the buttons on your cell phone before taking it into the car and onto the road.
Use the phone only when it is safe to do so. Evaluate the demands of traffic and weather conditions before making or taking a call. Tell the caller you are driving and may have to suspend the conversation or allow voice mail to handle your calls and return them at your convenience. Pull off the road if it is safe and legal to do so to use your wireless phone. Ask a passenger to make or take a call. Never take notes or look up numbers when driving. Do not use data functions such a text messaging or web browsing while driving.
Keep calls brief. Do not spend long intervals of time on your wireless phone while you are driving. The more time you spend on the phone, the less time you are concentrating on your driving. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving.
Above all else, respect all applicable laws concerning the use of wireless phones.