Effective Strategies to Reduce Driving Distractions
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 07 2026
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Should l Buy MCY?
Source: PRnewswire
- Improving Driving Habits: Mercury Insurance encourages drivers to focus on everyday habits, emphasizing that reducing distractions before driving, such as putting phones out of reach, can significantly lower accident risks and enhance safety.
- Managing Distraction Risks: Research indicates that distractions while driving extend beyond texting; routine behaviors like eating or adjusting navigation can also divert attention, thus advising drivers to prepare beforehand and avoid multitasking.
- Passenger Assistance for Safety: Justin Yoshizawa, Director of Product Management at Mercury, notes that passengers can help reduce the driver's cognitive load, enhancing safety by simplifying the environment or asking for assistance.
- Importance of Defensive Driving: Distracted driving poses risks not only to the driver but also to others, making it crucial to remain aware of the surroundings; avoiding distractions is a shared responsibility for all drivers to ensure safety.
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About MCY
Mercury General Corporation is an insurance holding company engaged in writing personal automobile insurance business. The Company writes homeowners, commercial automobile, commercial property, mechanical protection and umbrella insurance. Its automobile coverage includes collision, property damage, bodily injury, comprehensive, personal injury protection, underinsured, and uninsured motorists, and other hazards. Its homeowners’ coverage includes dwelling, liability, personal property, and other coverages. It offers standard, non-standard and preferred private passenger automobile insurance. It also offers homeowners insurance in approximately 10 states, commercial automobile insurance in approximately four states, and mechanical protection insurance in various states. Its subsidiaries include Mercury Casualty Company, California Automobile Insurance Company, Orion Indemnity Company, American Mercury Insurance Company, Animas Funding LLC, and Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Widespread Distracted Driving Poses Significant Risks
- Prevalence of Distraction: Research from Mercury Insurance reveals that drivers engage in an average of 37% of 27 common distracted behaviors annually, with only 8% avoiding distractions entirely, indicating a significant disconnect between drivers' perceptions and actual risks.
- Confidence vs. Reality: While 68% of drivers express confidence in their multitasking abilities while driving, 69% of the most distracted drivers believe they are more attentive than average, suggesting that overconfidence may lead to higher accident risks.
- Severity in Alabama: In Alabama, drivers reported engaging in 45% of distracted behaviors, significantly above the national average, and fatalities linked to distracted driving surged by 67.5% from 2018 to 2023, despite hands-free laws and safety campaigns.
- Increased Insurance Risks: Distracted driving is not only a safety concern but also a measurable risk factor for insurance companies, contributing to increased claims frequency and severity, prompting Mercury Insurance to encourage proactive measures to mitigate driving distractions.
See More
Widespread Distracted Driving Behaviors Identified
- Prevalence of Distraction: Research from Mercury Insurance reveals that drivers engage in an average of 37% of 27 common distracted behaviors annually, with only 8% avoiding distractions entirely, indicating a significant underestimation of their risky habits that could lead to increased accident rates.
- Confidence vs. Reality: While 68% of drivers express confidence in their multitasking abilities while driving, 69% of the most distracted drivers believe they are more attentive than average, highlighting a dangerous disconnect between perceived capability and actual reaction times that can result in accidents.
- Severity in Alabama: In Alabama, drivers reported engaging in 45% of distracted behaviors, significantly exceeding the national average, and fatalities linked to distracted driving surged by 67.5% from 2018 to 2023, despite hands-free laws and safety campaigns.
- Risk Reduction Recommendations: Mercury Insurance advocates for proactive measures to minimize distractions, such as setting navigation and music before driving, avoiding eating or grooming while driving, and recognizing overconfidence to eliminate unnecessary risks before they lead to real-world consequences.
See More
Mercury Insurance Highlights Importance of Energy-Efficient Upgrades
- Need for Energy Upgrades: Mercury Insurance highlights that the average U.S. household spends about $2,000 annually on energy, with $200 to $400 wasted due to drafts and outdated systems, emphasizing that energy-efficient upgrades can lower costs while enhancing comfort and long-term property resilience.
- Impact of HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems account for 35% to 50% of home energy use, making HVAC upgrades and maintenance one of the highest-impact investments homeowners can make, significantly reducing annual energy costs.
- Increasing Property Value: Energy-efficient homes not only lower operating costs but also increase property value, reflecting growing buyer demand for sustainable features, while reducing strain on critical systems helps extend the lifespan of home components.
- Smart Home Recommendations: Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to start with a home energy audit to identify the most effective upgrades and prioritize improvements with the highest return on investment, delivering both immediate savings and long-term benefits.
See More
Mercury Insurance Highlights Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
- Importance of Energy Upgrades: The average U.S. household spends about $2,000 annually on energy, with $200 to $400 wasted due to air leaks and outdated systems, prompting Mercury Insurance to emphasize energy-efficient upgrades to lower costs and enhance comfort, thereby helping families cope with rising energy expenses.
- Impact of HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems account for 35% to 50% of home energy use, making HVAC upgrades a high-impact investment for homeowners that can significantly reduce annual energy costs while improving overall home performance.
- High-Value Improvement Measures: Mercury Insurance recommends enhancements such as improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, and smart thermostats, which can lead to a 20% to 30% reduction in energy usage, while also increasing property value and long-term durability, reflecting market demand for sustainable features.
- Need for Home Energy Audits: Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to conduct energy audits to identify the most effective upgrades, ensuring that while saving costs, homes maintain optimal performance for years to come, meeting the growing demands for comfort and efficiency.
See More
Spring Rain Driving Safety Tips from Mercury Insurance
- Accident Risk Warning: According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 1.2 million crashes occur annually on wet pavement, accounting for 75% of all weather-related collisions, indicating that spring rain significantly increases driving risks.
- Driving Adjustment Recommendations: Mercury Insurance advises drivers to slow down and increase following distances during rainy conditions to counteract the extended braking distances caused by slick roads, effectively reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Safety Driving Tips: Turning on headlights instead of just daytime running lights enhances visibility and helps other drivers see you better in low-light and rainy conditions, thereby minimizing collision risks.
- Tire Maintenance Importance: Regularly checking tire tread depth and pressure is crucial for maintaining control on wet roads, preventing skidding or hydroplaning due to loss of tire grip.
See More
Spring Rain Driving Safety Tips from Mercury Insurance
- Accident Risk Warning: According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 1.2 million crashes occur annually on wet pavement, accounting for about 75% of all weather-related collisions, highlighting the significant increase in driving risks during spring rain and urging drivers to take preventive measures to avoid costly accidents.
- Driving Tips Recommendation: Mercury Insurance advises drivers to slow down and increase following distance in rainy conditions to accommodate longer stopping distances caused by slick roads, effectively reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring safer driving.
- Importance of Headlight Use: Turning on headlights in low-light and rainy conditions not only improves visibility but also helps other drivers see your vehicle better, thereby reducing the risk of collisions due to poor visibility and enhancing overall road safety.
- Tire Maintenance Tips: Regularly checking tire tread depth and pressure is crucial for maintaining control on wet roads, as ensuring tires are in good condition can effectively prevent skidding and hydroplaning, thereby improving driving stability.
See More
Widespread Distracted Driving Poses Significant Risks
- Prevalence of Distraction: Research from Mercury Insurance reveals that drivers engage in an average of 37% of 27 common distracted behaviors annually, with only 8% avoiding distractions entirely, indicating a significant disconnect between drivers' perceptions and actual risks.
- Confidence vs. Reality: While 68% of drivers express confidence in their multitasking abilities while driving, 69% of the most distracted drivers believe they are more attentive than average, suggesting that overconfidence may lead to higher accident risks.
- Severity in Alabama: In Alabama, drivers reported engaging in 45% of distracted behaviors, significantly above the national average, and fatalities linked to distracted driving surged by 67.5% from 2018 to 2023, despite hands-free laws and safety campaigns.
- Increased Insurance Risks: Distracted driving is not only a safety concern but also a measurable risk factor for insurance companies, contributing to increased claims frequency and severity, prompting Mercury Insurance to encourage proactive measures to mitigate driving distractions.
See More
Widespread Distracted Driving Behaviors Identified
- Prevalence of Distraction: Research from Mercury Insurance reveals that drivers engage in an average of 37% of 27 common distracted behaviors annually, with only 8% avoiding distractions entirely, indicating a significant underestimation of their risky habits that could lead to increased accident rates.
- Confidence vs. Reality: While 68% of drivers express confidence in their multitasking abilities while driving, 69% of the most distracted drivers believe they are more attentive than average, highlighting a dangerous disconnect between perceived capability and actual reaction times that can result in accidents.
- Severity in Alabama: In Alabama, drivers reported engaging in 45% of distracted behaviors, significantly exceeding the national average, and fatalities linked to distracted driving surged by 67.5% from 2018 to 2023, despite hands-free laws and safety campaigns.
- Risk Reduction Recommendations: Mercury Insurance advocates for proactive measures to minimize distractions, such as setting navigation and music before driving, avoiding eating or grooming while driving, and recognizing overconfidence to eliminate unnecessary risks before they lead to real-world consequences.
See More
Mercury Insurance Highlights Importance of Energy-Efficient Upgrades
- Need for Energy Upgrades: Mercury Insurance highlights that the average U.S. household spends about $2,000 annually on energy, with $200 to $400 wasted due to drafts and outdated systems, emphasizing that energy-efficient upgrades can lower costs while enhancing comfort and long-term property resilience.
- Impact of HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems account for 35% to 50% of home energy use, making HVAC upgrades and maintenance one of the highest-impact investments homeowners can make, significantly reducing annual energy costs.
- Increasing Property Value: Energy-efficient homes not only lower operating costs but also increase property value, reflecting growing buyer demand for sustainable features, while reducing strain on critical systems helps extend the lifespan of home components.
- Smart Home Recommendations: Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to start with a home energy audit to identify the most effective upgrades and prioritize improvements with the highest return on investment, delivering both immediate savings and long-term benefits.
See More
Mercury Insurance Highlights Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
- Importance of Energy Upgrades: The average U.S. household spends about $2,000 annually on energy, with $200 to $400 wasted due to air leaks and outdated systems, prompting Mercury Insurance to emphasize energy-efficient upgrades to lower costs and enhance comfort, thereby helping families cope with rising energy expenses.
- Impact of HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems account for 35% to 50% of home energy use, making HVAC upgrades a high-impact investment for homeowners that can significantly reduce annual energy costs while improving overall home performance.
- High-Value Improvement Measures: Mercury Insurance recommends enhancements such as improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, and smart thermostats, which can lead to a 20% to 30% reduction in energy usage, while also increasing property value and long-term durability, reflecting market demand for sustainable features.
- Need for Home Energy Audits: Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to conduct energy audits to identify the most effective upgrades, ensuring that while saving costs, homes maintain optimal performance for years to come, meeting the growing demands for comfort and efficiency.
See More
Spring Rain Driving Safety Tips from Mercury Insurance
- Accident Risk Warning: According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 1.2 million crashes occur annually on wet pavement, accounting for 75% of all weather-related collisions, indicating that spring rain significantly increases driving risks.
- Driving Adjustment Recommendations: Mercury Insurance advises drivers to slow down and increase following distances during rainy conditions to counteract the extended braking distances caused by slick roads, effectively reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Safety Driving Tips: Turning on headlights instead of just daytime running lights enhances visibility and helps other drivers see you better in low-light and rainy conditions, thereby minimizing collision risks.
- Tire Maintenance Importance: Regularly checking tire tread depth and pressure is crucial for maintaining control on wet roads, preventing skidding or hydroplaning due to loss of tire grip.
See More
Spring Rain Driving Safety Tips from Mercury Insurance
- Accident Risk Warning: According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 1.2 million crashes occur annually on wet pavement, accounting for about 75% of all weather-related collisions, highlighting the significant increase in driving risks during spring rain and urging drivers to take preventive measures to avoid costly accidents.
- Driving Tips Recommendation: Mercury Insurance advises drivers to slow down and increase following distance in rainy conditions to accommodate longer stopping distances caused by slick roads, effectively reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring safer driving.
- Importance of Headlight Use: Turning on headlights in low-light and rainy conditions not only improves visibility but also helps other drivers see your vehicle better, thereby reducing the risk of collisions due to poor visibility and enhancing overall road safety.
- Tire Maintenance Tips: Regularly checking tire tread depth and pressure is crucial for maintaining control on wet roads, as ensuring tires are in good condition can effectively prevent skidding and hydroplaning, thereby improving driving stability.
See More
