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Five great reasons to "hang up and drive"

Drivers who talk on cell phones while driving are four times as likely to cause a crash as other drivers. In fact, a study from the University of Utah found that chatty drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers. Texting while driving is even more dangerous.

At any given moment, as many as 1.8 million drivers are chatting on a cell phone. But there are plenty of great reasons to hang up and drive.  

It's Illegal

Six states ban drivers from talking on cell phones without a hands-free device; 18 states prohibit text and email messaging. Legislators in dozens of other states have introduced bills to ban cell phone use while driving. Cell phone restrictions are primary enforcement in most states, which means drivers can be stopped and ticketed for talking on a cell phone without committing any other infraction. 

After a texting driver killed two scientists in a head-on collision, Utah lawmakers passed the nation's toughest law to crack down on drivers who text while behind the wheel. Offenders who cause a crash leading to injury or death face up to 15 years in prison-the same penalty as drunk drivers.  

It's Dangerous

Researchers from the University of Utah found that driving while talking on a cell phone is as dangerous as driving drunk. These drivers are as dangerous as those with .08 percent blood alcohol level, the point at which most states consider drivers legally drunk.

Even hands-free devices aren't safe. Drivers who use a hands-free device are 1.3 times more likely to get into an accident than other drivers.

It's Deadly

A Harvard study estimated that cell phone distractions cause 2,600 accidents that result in fatalities each year. That was in 2003. In 2009, with cell phones in the hands of roughly 90% of Americans and large-screen smart phones taking even more eyes off the road, the number of cell phone-related auto fatalities is probably much higher.

It Sets a Bad Example

Part of being a parent is setting a good example for children, but far too many parents are setting a dangerous precedent for their children on the roadways. You may think chatting while driving isn't a big deal, but think about the day your child gets a driver's license-would you feel safe if they were chatting and driving at the same time?

If you're one of the estimated 80% of drivers who use a cell phone while behind the wheel, tuck the phone away and set a good example for your children. It could save their life one day.

Talking and Texting Behind the Wheel Will Cost You

No matter which state you live in, if you talk or text while driving, it's going to cost you. Whether you're involved in a cell phone-related accident or ticketed for chatting or texting while driving, if you make a habit of using a cell phone while driving, it will probably translate into higher car insurance premiums.

You know how car insurance works: One little ticket or fender bender could send your premium soaring. And, if you're ticketed for driving while talking or texting, your car insurance premium could go through the roof-especially if your driving record isn't perfect to begin with.

The solution? Hang up and drive! Keep your phone tucked away and pay full attention to the road. It'll help keep your vehicle safe and your car insurance low.  

This article is provided by InsWeb Corp. If you need help saving money on car insurance, InsWeb.com is the place to be. Our free, no-obligation car insurance quote form can help you shop and compare several low-cost car insurance quotes in minutes.