USAA announced today it would advocate for federal legislation that would incent states to adopt laws prohibiting the use of handheld communications devices while driving, a practice some have suggested is even more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
"As a financial services organization that provides auto insurance, we see the tragic consequences of car crashes every day," said Stuart Parker, president of USAA Property and Casualty Insurance Group. "It's clear that using handheld devices makes driving more dangerous for the user and other drivers, so USAA is fighting for laws to control this dangerous practice." Parker pointed to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate that driver distraction of all kinds contributes to 25% of all police-reported traffic crashes and a July 2009 Car and Driver test that showed texting reduced drivers' reaction times even more than alcohol impairment. Parker said USAA supports legislation by Sens. Jay Rockefeller,D-W.V., and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, that would provide grants to states that ban the use of handheld communications devices, as well as legislation by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., that would withhold federal highway funds from states that fail to adopt such bans. Both bills, which were recently reviewed by the Senate Commerce Committee, would allow the use of hands-free devices. Parker said USAA would advocate for passage of the legislation and provide information about the bills to USAA members.
"The increase in the use of handheld devices means a higher level of distracted driving that will make our streets and highways more and more dangerous until we do something about it," Parker said. "USAA is eager to be a part of the solution to this problem."
USAA's stance on handheld communication devices also extends to its corporate policies that prohibit drivers of USAA vehicles from initiating calls or writing, sending or reading electronic messages. Additionally, USAA's five U.S. campuses include traffic signs informing employees and visitors to use only hands-free communication devices, a policy enforced by roving security personnel.USAA has also communicated to its membership about the dangers of driving while distracted.
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