AAA Uses Gas Pumps To Remind Motorists: Don’t Drive Intexticated

TOWSON, MD (Monday, September 9, 2019) –– As drivers stop to fill up, they are being reminded to put the phones down while on the road. AAA now has a critical safety reminder at an unlikely place: the gas pump.

Some local gas stations are displaying the message aimed at changing attitudes and behaviors surrounding the deadly problem of distracted driving. The signage is a part of AAA’s “Don’t Drive Intexticated” campaign, a multi-year initiative focused on preventing deaths and injuries caused by cell phone use behind the wheel.

The campaign targets drivers who would never consider drinking a beer behind the wheel, and yet, regularly engage with mobile devices that dangerously take their eyes, hands and minds off the road.

A recent AAA survey of drivers in Maryland revealed that 89% said they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about their safety on the road, due to other drivers being distracted by electronic devices.

“Distracted driving kills an average of nine people and injures 1,000 each day,” said Ragina C. Ali, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “We want these new signs to remind drivers while they’re filling up that using a phone while driving can have the same deadly consequences as drinking and driving. AAA is committed to making distracted driving as socially unacceptable as impaired driving.”

*For a list of participating stations call Ragina C. Ali at 443-465-5020 or email rali@aaamidatlantic.com.

A AAA survey* of 700 adult Maryland drivers completed in March 2019 revealed the following thoughts and opinions on distracted driving:

• 89% are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about safety on the road due to other drivers being distracted by their electronic devices.
• 69% say that they think it is never okay to use your Smartphone for texting, emailing, or social media while driving.
• 66% say they notice more drivers distracted by electronic devices on the road now than two years ago.

• 70% believe that the dangers of using a Smartphone for texting, emailing, and social media can be as serious as drinking and driving.
• When asked how often they look at their phones to read or send a text while driving, 5% responded “regularly,” 7% said “fairly often,” 42% replied “rarely” and 47% said they “never” did so.
• 50% said they “always” or “often” put their smart phone away where it cannot be accessed while driving.

AAA encourages all motorists to eliminate distracted driving by following these tips:

• Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation.
• Know where you’re going. If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving.
• Pull over. If you have to call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first.
• Ask passengers for help. If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message.
• Be a good passenger. Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
• Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.
• Everyone should prevent being intexticated. Just as drivers need to pay attention, so do pedestrians and bicyclists. Never call, text or play games while walking or cycling.

The public is invited to take the Don’t Drive Intexticated pledge.

Visit www.aaa.com/dontdrivedistracted to join this lifesaving effort.

* The AAA poll was conducted on March 14-15, 2019 by Public Policy Polling, on behalf of AAA Club Alliance. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.9%. All 700 Maryland respondents were 18 years or older with a valid U.S. driver's license.