Auto accidents increasing in Florida due to distracted drivers... and by association, so are auto insurance rates. Distracted driving has always caused accidents. In the past, reaching for the radio, lighting cigarettes, looking away during conversations, all these things caused people to take their attention off the road where it belonged. With the advent of cell phones and especially smart phones, things have changed dramatically. Now it is the norm for people to text, watch videos, and fiddle with their phones during driving. One major auto insurance company (state farm) claims that 36% of drivers text and drive. How serious is the problem? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40,000 american dies last year in auto accident, and distracted driving caused 9% of these deaths. This resulted in 3600 deaths due to distracted drivers. What the total cost in property and injuries is unknown. What is known is that auto insurance premiums have increased Nationwide auto insurance has gone up 16% since 2011, and in Florida we have seen much more dramatic increases. Auto Insurance rates reflect many things including the cost of repairs, the cost of medical care, auto theft rate, and the frequency and severity of accidents. Of these factors, we can all affect the last one. Put the phone down and text the person on the line when you stop the car. It may save your life or the life of someone your love. ISU Bauknight Insurance operates two Counties in Florida, Hudson, FL (727) 863-5641 and ISU Bauknight Insurance, 10488 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, Fl 34607 (352)-686-0612. They also offer coverage throughout Florida on their website or by calling them direct.