Not Just Cellphones–Texting, Eating and Grooming All Prove Hazardous While on the Road

Cellphones are one of the many self-imposed distractions facing drivers--along with eating, drinking and grooming–and electronic communications devices are believed to cause more than a thousand auto-crash related fatalities in the U.S. each year. Drivers need to balance the convenience cellphones provide against the very real dangers they pose, warns the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

“The safe operation of a car requires the full attention of the driver. The danger is that people can become so absorbed in their conversations or activities that their ability to concentrate on driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing their safety as well as vehicle occupants and pedestrians,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president, Public Affairs, and national consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.

Hundreds of communities throughout the U.S. are already experiencing flood conditions, which can cause extensive water damage to homes and businesses. Flood conditions can also cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up into houses and businesses through drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult and expensive to repair, but can also create health hazards. Most homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover sewer backup unless specific coverage is added to the policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

“Obtaining an insurance rider on a homeowners or business policy would cover such damage if it occurs," said Loretta Worters, vice president, I.I.I. “Sewer backup coverage is available from most insurers usually at a cost of $40 to $160 on an annual insurance policy, depending on the amount of coverage and the deductible you select."