American drivers are taking their eyes off the road more than ever before — and that danger behind the wheel is now going after your wallet.
Since 2011, the average insurance premium has jumped 16 percent to $926. Insurance companies say the sharp spike is partly caused by more drivers distracted on their smartphones and getting into accidents.
More than 40,000 people died on the road last year — up 14 percent since 2014 — the sharpest rise in 53 years. And distraction-related deaths were up almost 9 percent in 2015, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Everyone Pays the Price
And it's not just teenage drivers. State Farm says 36 percent of all drivers text and drive — and it's making everyone's costs go up.
Every American is going to pay more because of the distracted driving epidemic. That's because no fault can be attributed in an accident and also because many people who are distracted driving, certainly aren't going to admit to it.
So what winds up happening is these costs are imposed on the system overall. Everyone is a victim of distracted driving.