The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and GEICO are sponsoring rest areas and scenic overlooks across the state, rebranding them as “Safe Phone Zones”.
The public-private partnership program encourages drivers to pull into a safe location to use their phones. New Jersey has designated 14 rest areas and scenic overlooks throughout the state as Safe Phone Zones. New signs sponsored by GEICO have been installed along the highways leading to these facilities. Additional onsite signage discourages distracted driving and informs visitors about the sponsorship.
“We have an obligation to raise awareness about distracted driving as a real safety hazard on our roads,” said NJDOT Commissioner Richard T. Hammer. “Programs such as this partnership with GEICO helps get the message out and reminds every driver who gets behind the wheel they must individually share in that responsibility too.”
The Office of the Attorney General recently announced traffic fatalities in New Jersey rose from 562 in 2015 to 604 in 2016, an average of 12 deaths a week. Division of Highway Traffic Safety officials have said the increase is in part because of distracted driving, such as cell phone use behind the wheel.
“By working together, we are making New Jersey’s roads safer. The Safe Phone Zones are yet another tool to combat distracted driving,” said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. “Traffic fatalities continue to rise and we know that distracted driving accounts for part of this increase. If you don’t have hands–free technology and you want to answer the phone, send a text message or an email, these safe zones are the places to do it.”
GEICO provides similar support in five other states: New York, Virginia, Arizona, Illinois and Florida. To learn more visit: www.safephonezone.com.
