#United States #Nationwide #Columbus #distracted driving #Focused Driving Rewards

New Findings Highlight Dangerous Distraction Levels Among Drivers

In an urgent call for attention, a recent survey conducted by Nationwide has shed light on the growing problem of distracted driving. Released during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, this report underscores the disconnect between driver awareness regarding safe driving and their actual behaviors behind the wheel.

Key Survey Insights

The survey reveals some startling statistics: despite acknowledging the crucial importance of safe driving, many drivers openly confess to engaging in risky behaviors. An overwhelming 92% of respondents admit that the frequency of smartphone use among drivers has increased over the past year, and a concerning 11% report that they read or write emails while driving. This not only reflects a troubling mindset but also raises serious safety concerns.

Regulation Skepticism

Interestingly, while familiarity with distracted driving laws is fairly high—81% know about texting restrictions, 76% are aware of hands-free requirements, and 74% recognize the ban on handheld phone use—many drivers remain doubtful regarding the effectiveness of these regulations. Only 48% believe that current laws effectively mitigate distracted driving, revealing a significant gap between knowledge and action.

Casey Kempton, President of Nationwide's Personal Lines, emphasizes the dangers of this mindset. He states, "Far too many people believe they're immune to distraction or that a 'quick check' won't hurt. Our latest survey data clearly reveals that these split-second decisions can have serious consequences. A phone in hand while driving is a dangerous distraction."

The Role of Technology

While smartphones are the primary distractions, they are not alone. An alarming 47% of drivers express concerns that built-in touchscreens in vehicles—used for navigation and entertainment—are also significant contributors to driver distraction. However, not all technological advancements are viewed negatively. The survey indicates that consumer support for telematics tools is on the rise, with a strong endorsement for the use of dashcams and AI-enabled monitoring systems to promote safer driving habits.

• - 85% of respondents believe dashcams encourage safer driving practices.
• - 94% think that these devices offer vital evidence during accidents.
• - Currently, 20% have dashcams installed, and 60% feel comfortable with AI-enabled dashcams monitoring their behavior.
• - 41% of drivers believe that utilizing AI-powered dashcams should result in lowered insurance premiums.

Focused Driving Rewards Program

In response to escalating distraction levels, Nationwide is launching the Focused Driving Rewards (FDR) program. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to incentivize safer driving by rewarding drivers who reduce phone usage behind the wheel.

Program Highlights

• - App-based Participation: The program can be managed easily through the Nationwide app, where participants earn points redeemable for gift cards for minimizing distractions.
• - Pilot Results: Preliminary results from an FDR pilot program indicated success, with about half of participants reporting decreased distraction levels, averaging a reduction of 48%.
• - Open to All: The FDR program is inclusive, welcoming anyone—not just current Nationwide customers—offering up to $60 in gift cards every six months for maintaining focus on the road.
• - Simple Focus: The program concentrates solely on phone handling events, making it a straightforward way for drivers to engage with telematics and earn rewards for improved concentration.

Kelly Hernandez, Nationwide's AVP of Personal Lines Telematics, commented on the initiative, stating, "We believe that putting your phone down while driving can save lives and make roads safer, and we're willing to reward people for it. With Focused Driving Rewards, we're creating an incentive that is simple and open to all."

Conclusion

Addressing driver distraction is not a matter of implementing a single solution; it necessitates a collective effort of awareness, commitment, and proactive measures from every driver. By providing personalized feedback and rewards for safe driving practices, Nationwide hopes to inspire a lasting change in driver behavior, leading to safer roads for all.

For more details on the Focused Driving Rewards program, drivers can visit Nationwide's website or download their mobile app to get started. Additionally, a dedicated distracted driving resource center is available for further support and information.