Phone Down, Buckle Up - Every Time! - Reducing Distracted Driving Injuries and Deaths

Strategic Insights -

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Takata Corporation and FocusDriven have partnered to combat the growing number of distracted driving injuries and deaths on America's roadways. The "Phone Down, Buckle Up - Every Time!" campaign aims to educate teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones while driving, and emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts. The initiative emphasizes that distracted driving is a preventable epidemic that claims thousands of lives every year, and that wearing a seatbelt is the most effective defense against a distracted driver.

Key Takeaways:

  • Takata Corporation, a global leader in passive and active safety systems, has partnered with FocusDriven, a nonprofit advocacy organization, to launch the "Phone Down, Buckle Up - Every Time!" campaign.
  • The campaign aims to educate teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones while driving.
  • Distracted driving is a growing concern, with nearly one-in-four crashes involving cell phone conversations, and texting drivers contributing to over 100,000 crashes each year.
  • Teenagers remain the largest texting population, and there is a real need to educate them on avoiding the urge to use mobile phones while driving.
  • Takata will initially target their efforts with FocusDriven to educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving and emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts.
  • The partnership will promote the message that wearing a seatbelt - every time - is the most effective defense against a distracted driver.

Statistics:

  • Nearly one-in-four crashes involve cell phone conversations.
  • Texting drivers contribute to over 100,000 crashes each year.
  • Teenagers remain the largest texting population.
  • Over 60 percent of motor vehicle fatalities occur with drivers or passengers who are not buckled up.
  • Takata's worldwide sales approach $5 billion annually.
  • The company operates 46 manufacturing locations in 17 countries, and 11 research and development locations on three continents.
  • Takata employs about 35,000 people globally, with more than 18,500 in North America.

Sources:

  • Takata Corporation
  • FocusDriven Advocates for Cell-Free Driving