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Distracted Driving: How to Avoid It in 2026
April 2026 marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a crucial time to address what’s really happening on our roads. Despite advances in vehicle safety technology, driving feels more dangerous than ever. Recent data from early 2026 suggests that nearly nine in ten drivers believe phone use behind the wheel has increased over the last year. Despite the presence of high-tech safety nets, the fundamental challenge remains: keeping your eyes on the road and your mind on the task. Before diving into practical steps, it’s crucial to understand what actions make the difference in combating distraction while driving. Here is how you can master the road and avoid distractions in 2026. 1.…
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Top 5 Things Central Oregon Drivers Do That Cause Car Accidents
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Top 5 Things Central Oregon Drivers Do That Cause Car Accidents
Central Oregon offers scenic highways and mountain views, but car accidents still occur here. Many are preventable and result from common driving habits. Increased awareness is essential for safer roads. Below are the top five behaviors that frequently cause car accidents in Central Oregon: 1. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, including in Central Oregon. Activities such as texting, phone use, eating, or daydreaming reduce your attention and increase crash risk. 2. Speeding Speeding contributes significantly to accidents by reducing reaction time, increasing stopping distance, and worsening crash severity. Always follow posted speed limits to stay safe. 3. Driving Under the Influence Driving under the influence…
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Distracted Driving: How to Avoid It in 2026
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Beyond the Basics: 5 Overlooked Causes of Car Accidents
Most drivers know the big red flags: don’t text while driving, never get behind the wheel after a few drinks, and keep your speed in check. We see the billboards and hear the PSA announcements constantly. Yet, even the most “careful” drivers can find themselves in a fender bender—or worse—because of factors they didn’t even realize were dangerous. When it comes to car insurance, we often focus on what happens after the crash. But at the Howard Steel Agency, we believe the best insurance policy is the one you never have to use. To help keep you safe on the roads, here are five frequently overlooked causes of car accidents…
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What to Do When You Hit a Deer
Driving in Central Oregon offers beautiful scenery, but it also means sharing the road with wildlife. Hitting a deer is a terrifying, all-too-common event. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately afterward can protect your safety and simplify your insurance claim. 🛑 Safety First: Pull Over and Assess Immediately after the collision, try to pull your vehicle safely to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Your safety and the safety of any passengers are the priority. Check for injuries. Do not approach the animal; a wounded deer can be unpredictable and dangerous. Stay in your vehicle and call the police or local law enforcement to…
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8 Hands-Free Car Tips for a Safer Drive
Minimizing distractions is key to staying safe on the road. One of the biggest causes of accidents is driver inattention, often from fumbling with phones, adjusting gadgets, or taking their hands off the wheel. By adopting hands-free habits, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. If you live in Central Oregon, pairing these habits with the right Bend, Oregon car insurance gives you even greater peace of mind. Here are eight hands-free car tips to make every drive safer Use Bluetooth or CarPlay Sync your phone with your vehicle’s Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. This lets you make calls, send texts by voice, and access navigation…
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Distracted Driving Awareness: The Importance of Driving Mindfully
Every April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the dangers of losing focus on the road. Technology brings convenience but also constant distractions, from texting to eating. These actions, though seemingly minor, can have life-altering consequences. Mindful driving protects you, your passengers, and everyone on the road. The Scope of the Problem According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of lives are lost each year due to distracted driving. In fact, in the United States, distracted driving accounts for a significant percentage of all roadway crashes. This sobering reality underscores the importance of dedicating an entire month to raising awareness and promoting safer driving…
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Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving: Stay Safe Behind the Wheel
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Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving: Stay Safe Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving is a significant contributor to the numerous accidents on American roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands lose their lives each year because drivers lose focus. Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, or eating, just a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences. Fortunately, every driver can take proactive steps to stay alert. Here are tips to help prevent distracted driving. How To Prevent Distracted Driving Cell phones are one of the biggest culprits of distracted driving. Texting, calling, or even glancing at notifications can take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. The easiest way to eliminate this…
