Distractions On The Road

To the Editor:

Recent coverage of the state’s new ban on handheld cellphones is highlighting some of the issues related to the broader problem of driving distractions on the road. As the sponsor of the Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey, the survey that launched the current debate on distracted drivers, we would like to weigh in on this issue.

Although cellphone use seems to receive much of the attention, our surveys revealed American drivers are being distracted by many activities.

When asked what drivers fear the most about other drivers, aggressive driving and drunk driving are now taking second and third place to the fear that the other driver is simply not paying sufficient attention to the road. People are putting a higher priority on making better use of their time than getting to their destination safely. Seventy-six percent of those polled indicated they engage in one or more distracting activity while driving. They are eating, reading, talking on the phone, and combing their hair — everything except paying attention to the road. Amazingly, 20 percent are so busy multitasking they acknowledge steering their car with their thighs on occasion.

 There is a battle underway on America’s roads. It is literally a battle for drivers’ attention. Ultimately, it will not be won through legislation. It will be won by a change in public perception of the stakes involved.

Sincerely,

Mory Katz

Chairman & CEO

Response Insurance Group of Companies

500 South Broad Street, Meriden                               October 4, 2005