Insurers Take Distracted Driving Fight to Video

Even though they know it’s dangerous and, depending where they are, against the law, drivers continue to text behind the wheel, and Allstate Insurance Co. and Manitoba Public Insurance are doing their part  to put an end to it.

Allstate is partnering with Screenvision, a cinema advertising and alternative content programming company, to further publicize its "Delete Text Driving" public service announcement. Movie-goers will see the insurer’s 30-second PSA beginning today.

"Screenvision's cinema network is an ideal forum for this message, as movie-going is a weekly social ritual for millions of Americans, especially teens and young adults," states Mark Mitchell, chief revenue officer of Screenvision. "We're delighted to work with our long-time partner to bring this vital message to the big screen and help raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving."

In a separate effort, Manitoba Public Insurance recently launched a video contest for Manitobans between the ages of 16-25 to raise awareness surrounding certain dangers while on the road and reducing collisions and deaths. Why this age group? The insurer says drivers of this age are involved in nearly one-quarter of all collisions on Manitoba roads each year.

“The ‘Rethink Road Safety’ video contest is aimed at raising awareness within this specific age group,” said Ted Hlynsky, VP, Claims Control & Safety Operations, Manitoba Public Insurance. “It’s an opportunity for young people to use their imaginations in creating videos about the dangers of unsafe driving and, in doing so, send the message to their peers that speeding, driving while impaired and distracted driving are not acceptable.”

The contest consists of three categories—driving, speeding/aggressive driving and distracted driving—and will run from December 1 to April 1, 2012. Manitoba Public Insurance will provide more than $28,000 in gift cards for electronics, educational products or scholarships.