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While several will take part in St. Patrick's Day festivities, many drivers will take their chances and put others at risk
Submitted by Allstate
Every year, we are reminded of the various dangers we can encounter on the road. And while drunk driving continues to cause damage, injury and death, one of the biggest causes of accidents is distracted driving. Everyone should have a great St. Patrick's Day this year - as long as they don't push their luck.
Several studies have shown that, in addition to the ongoing dangers of driving while drunk, several car crashes - and near-collisions - are caused by a mere lack of attention on the part of drivers. One of the biggest culprits is the widespread use of mobile devices, such as phones, portable music devices and tablets. However, even conscientious drivers who leave their phones aside while driving still get distracted by external objects beyond the road.
"Your car could have every possible safety feature, but the only way to guarantee your safety on the road is to pay full attention when you are behind the wheel," said Jaclyn Darrohn, Allstate spokesperson in New York. "Now that nearly everyone uses not just phones, but a variety of mobile devices, drivers are being distracted by more than just eating or checking the mirror. Besides making phone calls, they are typing text messages, checking email and, ironically, trying to program their GPS system while already on the road."
"The most conscientious drivers might not realize how much they put others at risk by performing even minor tasks while driving," she added.
In light of the St. Patrick's Day holiday and the beginning of spring - and more people getting out of the house and on the road - Allstate is using this opportunity to tell consumers to keep the following important safety tips in mind:
But also keep in mind that with a new season of parties and gatherings coming up, distracted drivers might also be intoxicated drivers. Drunk driving is hardly a new phenomenon, but when compounded by the effects of today's new distractions, there is even more danger on the road than before.
"Especially, but not exclusively for St. Patrick's Day, be a little more aware of people who might not have taken the proper precautions," Darrohn said. "Do the right thing now so you'll be around for the next big party!"
The Allstate Corp. is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names.