Keep Your Hands on the Wheel on Valentine’s Day, and Always

Posted & filed under distracted driving.

It’s Valentine’s Day, which means many Americans are driving to romantic dinners or going dancing, or any number of other festive, love-related events. It’s fine to have close contact on the dance floor, or sit on the couch and make out, but when you’re in the car, it’s best to keep your hands to yourself. Why? Well according to the managing editor of a popular insurance quote site, “Kissing your Valentine while you’re driving certainly can be fun, but it also can be dangerous.”

Federal statistics show that nearly 16% of fatal crashes are the result of distracted driving. We may assume that means only texting and such, but it actually includes romance behind the wheel, as well.

According to a poll GfK Roper recently conducted, 93% of American motorists admit to some form of distracted driving. Nearly one third of the drivers polled 29 percent – also confess to kissing or some other form of romantic contact while driving – throughout the year, not just on Valentine’s Day. And lest you think it’s the teenagers who are the most guilty, 39 percent of the drivers who have at least a bachelor’s degree or an income of at least $75,000/year are doing that smooching.

The bottom line? If you just can’t wait to get up close and personal with your passenger, pull over. This is why BACK seats were invented.