Simulation to Show Dangers of Distracted Driving

In an effort to continue trying to make the roads a safer place, Plymouth Rock Assurance is hosting a special distracted driving simulation Saturday at the Bridgewater Commons Mall.

The simulation will be held in the lower level center court from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to Valerie Simon, director of marketing communications with Plymouth Rock, the program will allow attendees to participate in a simulation-based impaired and distracted driving program.

“It is designed to prevent destructive driving behaviors,” she said. “[This is] part of an ongoing initiative to make the state’s roads a safer place by exposing the dangers of distracted driving.”

Simon said that research collected by the assurance company found that 88 percent of local polled drivers have seen other drivers using a cell phone while driving a moving vehicle. This simulation, she said, allows for the opportunity to raise awareness of the true consequences of distracted and impaired driving.

“Plymouth Rock Assurance wants to help prevent accidents, not just respond after they happen,” she said.

This study, Simon said, is part of efforts to help New Jersey drivers “Get Home Safe,” which is a benefit offered by Plymouth Rock Assurance that includes reimbursement from the company for cab fare if you are too impaired to drive.

Simon said the study found that drivers ages 17 to 44 text more than three times as much as drivers over the age of 45, while also making calls without a hands-free device and programming GPS units.

In addition, the research found that three in 10 people had read or sent a text message while driving, with 20 percent of those admitting to doing it daily and 39 percent saying they did it weekly. Another 24 percent, according to the research, admitted to texting with children in the car, and 20 percent said they know someone who has been in an accident because of the use of a mobile device while driving.

“It was important for us to bring this event and our message to stop distracted driving to a place where we would have exposure to a younger audience who could see first-hand the consequences of distracted driving,” Simon said.

The mall, Simon said, was the perfect location. The event will be hosted by Greater Media NJ, and members of the public are invited to participate.

“Bridgewater Commons offers a popular destination for New Jersey residents,” she said.