"One of Progressive's goals is to provide consumers with insights about auto insurance and related subjects, from understanding coverage options to how rates are determined," said Toby Alfred, site manager for progressive.com. "Using a cell phone while driving sometimes leads to erratic behavior that all drivers need to know about."
To pinpoint exactly who is driving while talking on their cell phone, the survey reveals the typical cell phone user drives alone and...
- More than half (61 percent) are men.
- Seventy one percent are between the ages of 18 and 34.
- They most often drive mid-size cars, followed by compact cars and SUVs.
Alfred said: "Consumers need to know who is using the cell phone while driving and they need to know how to safely drive using a cellular phone. Progressive has launched a new site, 'Info to Go,' on progressive.com that provides information that can help all drivers be safer on the roads."
At progressive.com, consumers can access important information regarding cell phone use such as tips for safe use of a cell phone while driving, state and federal legislative updates, an interview on the subject with a leading researcher from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), links to industry sites and information about how insurance rates are calculated.
Some other interesting facts from the study include: 23 percent of people who were talking on a cell phone while driving alone report having tailgated another vehicle; 21 percent have cut someone off and 18 percent nearly hit another vehicle.