Bloomington, IL.–September 30, 2009– State Farm® applauds U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for convening this group of distinguished experts at the Distracted Driving Summit. Distracted driving is a growing safety risk that affects everyone on our nation’s roadways. This summit provides a forum for sharing the latest research, regulation, education, and best practices in addressing the dangers that distraction poses.
State Farm’s research shows that 65% of drivers 18 years of age and older talk on a hand-held cell phone while driving, and 31% text message while driving. For young drivers, these numbers are even higher. As the leading automobile insurer in the country, State Farm is very concerned about the safety hazards inherent in distracted driving. We are participating in this week’s Distracted Driving Summit because we believe a solution lies in a comprehensive approach. Education, solid legislation, and law enforcement are all important components of the solution.
“State Farm has a long history of commitment to occupant and highway safety dating back to the 1920s,” said Laurette Stiles, State Farm Vice President of Strategic Resources. “As the largest automobile insurer in the United States, we have a strong interest in working for safer roadways. We are dedicated to evidence-based solutions to safety issues, as exemplified by our multi-year collaboration with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on the Young Driver Research Initiative. I look forward to hearing the latest research on distracted driving at the Summit.”
Media alert: For an insurance perspective on distracted driving, Laurette Stiles from State Farm will be available during breaks from Summit sessions. Dr. Dennis Durbin from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is also available to comment on distracted driving as it relates to teen drivers. Please contact Vicki Harper, (309) 846-1541, to request an interview.
Vicki Harper, State Farm, at (309) 766-9743