Driven to Distraction: Auto Club Launches Campaign Against Multi-Tasking While Driving
LOS ANGELES--Jan. 21, 2003--Distractions are one of the major causes of vehicle collisions, posing an increasing danger for motorists in Southern California as traffic congestion rises.To help combat the dangers posed by distractions, the Automobile Club of Southern California is launching a campaign to educate motorists about the risks of multi-tasking while driving.
"Restaurant," a new public-safety commercial by the Auto Club addressing distracted driving, will air on Southern California television stations beginning this week. It's the sixth in a series of public safety messages sponsored by the Auto Club over the past two years.
"Studies show that 25 percent of all collisions involve at least one driver who is not paying attention," said Arline Dillman, traffic safety manager for the Auto Club. "In today's fast-paced society, there's a lot of pressure to perform two or three activities simultaneously. When one of those activities is driving, 'multi-tasking' can be a deadly combination."
Several studies are currently under way to determine which types of distractions are most prevalent in vehicle collisions. Past studies and anecdotal evidence gathered by law-enforcement agencies have identified several common activities that can be dangerous to perform while driving:
| -- | Eating or drinking |
| -- | Adjusting the stereo or another dashboard control |
| -- | Having an intense or emotional conversation with another passenger or on a cell phone |
| -- | Putting on makeup or shaving |
| -- | Using a cell phone |
| -- | Reaching for an item in another part of the vehicle |
| -- | Focusing eyes on something other than the road ahead |
"Performing any of these activities while driving will increase your risk of a collision," Dillman said. "We want to remind motorists that driving should be their primary activity while on the road."
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
Note to Editors: Copies of the commercial are available by calling 714/885-2333.