Texting Laws and Collision Claim Frequencies

As of July 31, 2010, 30 states and the District of Columbia had enacted laws banning all motorists from texting while driving. This reflects concern among policymakers about the rapid growth of text messaging, coupled with highly publicized reports that texting while driving may increase crash risk. The purpose of the research reported in this Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) bulletin was to determine whether the laws banning text messaging are reducing collision claims. The very large volume of collision data reported to HLDI by its member companies – which account for more than 80 percent of the private passenger insurance market – give it the ability to gain early, statistically reliable estimates of even small changes in crash frequency. After an explanation of the research methodology, figures and tables are presented with the research results. Insurance collision loss experience does not indicate a decline in crash risk when texting laws are enacted. Rather, there appears to have been a small increase in claims in the states enacting texting bans, compared to neighboring states.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 10p
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01221038
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 4 2010 4:01PM