Rising Distracted Driving Trends: Insights from Arity’s Henry Kowal

In an interview with Risk & Insurance, Henry Kowal, Director of Outbound Product Management at Arity, discusses the alarming rise in distracted driving, particularly involving smartphones. As per a 2023 report by S&P Global Market Intelligence, all major auto underwriters have raised their premiums significantly, with an average increase of 26% in full-coverage policies. This trend correlates strongly with the increase in auto accidents, a notable shift from the drop in incidents during the initial work-from-home phase of the pandemic in 2020.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2021 saw auto fatalities soar to levels not witnessed since 2005, marking the most substantial year-over-year escalation in nearly 50 years. Arity’s data analysis points to a 30% surge in distracted driving incidents between 2019 and 2023, closely tied to the widespread adoption of smartphones. These devices have become significant contributors to accidents, including those involving stationary objects.

Kowal elaborates on how Arity collects extensive telematics data to understand and mitigate risky driving behaviors. The data reveals that modern safety technologies in vehicles, although advanced, are often countered by the increase in distracted driving and the overall miles driven. This persistent high-risk behavior, especially in slow-moving traffic, underlines the challenges in enhancing road safety despite technological progress.

The conversation also covers the potential of telematics to transform the auto insurance landscape. By aligning driving behaviors with insurance premiums, companies can encourage safer driving habits, potentially reducing accidents and insurance claims. This data-driven approach not only helps in pricing insurance more accurately but also plays a crucial role in combating insurance fraud through detailed accident reconstructions.