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| 130 Million Licensed Americans Disregard Dangers of Driving While Tired, According to GMAC Insurance Study 07/02/2007 ST. LOUIS, MO. (June 28, 2007) – Results from a GMAC Insurance study announced today indicate Americans have a profound disconnect when it comes to the dangers of driving while fatigued. The GMAC Insurance study, which polled 5,175 licensed Americans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reports that 96% of drivers say they know that driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving while drunk. However, their actual behaviors indicate a direct contrast; 65 percent – approximately 130 million Americans – admit they would drive more than seven hours in one day alone when traveling without significant breaks. The alarming results come as millions of Americans will be hitting the open road for the 4th of July holiday, which is also the deadliest driving day of the year, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS); July 3rd is the second deadliest day. Throughout the summer season, Americans will continue to add mileage on their odometers with longer road trips. The IIHS reports that the most miles are traveled in August than any other month. “Everybody has their own personal threshold, but we believe that driving seven hours without significant breaks is pushing the limit,” said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance – Personal Lines. “And there’s no question that driving while fatigued is dangerous. More than 100,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.” Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet and recent winner of his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, said that staying alert is critical when driving any long distance. And lengthy treks are something Mears knows a thing or two about – his first win came last month after driving 600 miles at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in NASCAR’s longest race of the year. “When people hit the roads for long trips this summer, they really need to keep tabs on their level of fatigue,” Mears said. “It doesn’t pay to skimp on sleep, and coffee and cat naps are only a quick fix. Getting plenty of rest is one of the keys to staying safe and being at your best, whether you’re driving down the interstate or making laps around the race track.” Mears offers the following tips to keep summer travel safe, fun, and full of great memories: Plan Ahead – The best way to make sure you’re alert? Get proper rest ahead of time before setting off on your road trip. Avoid alcohol – Even the tiniest amount of alcohol can make you drowsy. If you’ll be driving, avoid it all together. Take a Buddy – If possible, take a buddy along on long trips, so you can take turns driving. Limit Driving After Midnight – Avoid driving between midnight and six a.m., when you’re most likely to feel fatigued. Stop Driving – If you feel drowsy, the safest thing to do is to pull over and stop driving. As soon as possible, drive to the closest safe resting spot, such as a motel or a friend’s house, and catch up on your sleep. The study was administered by TNS, a leading market information resource and the world’s largest provider of custom research and analysis. TNS is also a leader in social and political polling and a top supplier of consumer panel, media intelligence and Internet, and TV and radio audience measurement services. The national sample was comprised of 5,175 total licensed respondents, aged 16-60+, balanced to the latest U.S. Census data. |
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| From our Friends at GMAC Insurance Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Auto Insurance: You get what you pay for, so compare not only price, but policy features as well. Not all auto insurance companies offer enhanced benefits like superior claims handling, customer service guarantees, and roadside rental car delivery. Assess all of the benefits included to see the true value you receive. 2. Underestimating the Value of OEM Parts When your car was built, the manufacturer carefully selected each part. If your car has to be repaired, do you want the replacement parts to be less carefully selected? Be sure that your auto insurance company specifies genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts in collision repairs after accidents. Many companies use less expensive aftermarket parts that may decrease the value of your car, affect its appearance and jeopardize the warranty. 3. Choosing Inadequate Liability Coverage Liability insurance helps protect you and your assets if you cause an injury to others or damage the property of others with your vehicle. If you choose lower liability limits, an accident that causes serious injury can result in medical bills and lost wages that could far exceed your minimum coverage and leave you financially exposed. Make sure you’re fully protected. 4. Missing Out on Potential Discounts You could get discounts for low-mileage driving, having multiple policies through the same insurance carrier, using anti-theft devices, taking defensive driving courses, and more. Be sure to ask which discounts are available. 5. Neglecting to Consider a Major Life Change Keep your policy current. For example, forgetting to add a new teen driver to your policy can cost you dearly in the case of an accident. You may need to alter your auto insurance if you purchase a new home, car or other property; change your marital status; start a business; move; or retire. |