Inattention to driving is the number one cause of auto accidents in the U.S., according to experts. And drivers splitting their attention between driving and talking on cell phones are amongst the most inattentive, increasing their risk of accident four to five times more than average, according to experts.

With over 200 million cell phone-holding drivers on the road, that presents considerable danger.

And what part do these statistics play in car insurance rates?

Increased risk of accident means higher auto insurance rates; it's as simple as that. So if you want to keep your car insurance policy affordable, don't use your cell phone while driving.

However, if you're one of those people who couldn't even think of jumping on the freeway without your cell phone in one hand and the wheel in the other, consider these tips to help you do so more safely—and keep auto insurance rates low:

• Know how your phone works before you get in your car. That way, you can use it without looking.

• Mount your cell phone where you can easily reach and see it, and keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
• Use a hands-free headset whenever possible.
• Program frequently-called numbers into your phone's memory and/or use voice dial to reduce the amount of time you take your eyes off the road.
• When preparing to make a call, either pull off the road, wait for a stop light, or ask a passenger to dial for you.
• If you decide to pull off the road, be careful where you stop so you can protect yourself and your car from injury and accident.
• Don't use your cell phone in heavy traffic or bad weather.
• Don't take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Having numbers pre-programmed and saving phone messages for later is the safest way to talk, drive, and store the information you need.

If you're a cell phone user and driver, limiting your phone use when on the road is the best way to play it safe and keep car insurance affordable.

So practice safe driving and make those calls later. You—and everyone around you—will arrive where you're headed safely!

About InsureMe

Penny Hagerman is a copywriter and insurance information expert with InsureMe in Englewood, Colorado. InsureMe links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for home, life, health, long-term care and auto insurance. The InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit http://www.InsureMe.com