Insurer Gives Drivers Bluetooth Headset To Help Reduce Accidents

Keep both hands on the wheel when talking while driving

MONTEREY, Calif., March 2 -- Western region auto insurer Capital Insurance Group (CIG) -- http://www.ciginsurance.com/ -- has launched a driver safety program promoting the hands-free use of cell phones. Drivers with CIG Auto insurance can get a CIG Bluetooth headset free by recommending a friend, or purchase one at 50 percent below retail.

The Bluetooth device, which is compatible with most cellular phones, features voice-activated dialing, background-noise reduction, easy-touch call reception, call transfer, and three-way calling capabilities.

The use of a wireless headset while driving became mandatory in California and Washington on July 1, 2008. These states and others have banned the use of handheld cellular phones when behind the wheel. The new law in California imposes a $20 fine for a first offense and a $50 fine for subsequent violations. A ban on text messaging was added to the law last September.

CIG's announcement coincides with a new report showing California's hands- free driving law has been more effective than lawmakers originally anticipated. According to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles, fatal traffic accidents were down 13 percent overall between July 1 and Dec. 31, when compared to the same six-month window from the year before. Overall, there were nearly 1.3 fewer traffic-related deaths per day during that same period than the year before. In June, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he hoped the hands-free law would save 300 lives a year.

"Drivers are safer because of the new hands-free law," CIG President and CEO Peter Cazolla said. "By giving our clients affordable access to Bluetooth headsets, we help make the roadways safer and more secure for everyone."

For more information about CIG Auto insurance, go to http://www.cig-auto.com/.

CIG Auto Insurance is available in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Arizona. CIG auto policies also offer 24/7 Nationwide Emergency Roadside Service. CIG's driver protection plan gives every driver in an insured household their own AutoCard 100 wallet card offering back-home towing of up to 100 miles. Drivers with CIG Auto insurance also get a complimentary membership to The Protector Network -- http://www.theprotectornetwork.com/ -- offering drivers additional savings, safety and security benefits.

About Capital Insurance Group

Capital Insurance Group(R) (CIG) -- http://www.ciginsurance.com/ -- is a property and casualty insurer serving the Western U.S. states of California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Washington. The 110-year-old company is rated 'A' (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance industry.

CIG manages personal, business and agriculture risks underwritten by its four affiliates: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company. Types of policies may vary from state to state.

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