COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company today stated its support for the enactment of a national ban on texting while driving.

In Washington D.C., United States Senators Chuck Schumer, D-New York; Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey; Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana; and Kay Hagan, D-North Carolina, on Wednesday unveiled the ALERT Act, which would prohibit any driver from sending text or e-mail messages while driving a vehicle. If the bill passes, states that do not enact text-banning laws could lose 25 percent of their federal highway funds.

While Nationwide is still exploring the details of this particular legislation, Nationwide supports the concept of a national ban on texting while driving as an integral part of the solution.

There is a growing body of research and evidence that suggests a ban on texting while driving will save lives and make our roads a safer place to drive, said Bill Windsor, Nationwide's Safety Officer. Nationwide believes we can save lives by finding solutions to the problem through legislation, public awareness and encouraging the development of new technology. In addition to saving lives, fewer crashes could result in lower auto insurance costs.

While passage of legislation is a good start, Nationwide has taken the strong public position that technology will play an important role in effectively changing behavior behind the wheel. In early 2008, Nationwide began working with Aegis Mobility on a new, cell-phone based technology that will have a positive impact on reducing TWD crashes by advising callers and texters that the individual they are trying to reach is driving. Nationwide will be offering a discount for individuals that sign up for the DriveAssistâ„¢ program when it becomes available.


Nationwide has been working to draw attention to the emerging and dangerous social trend of Texting While Driving (TWD) for the past several years. A 2008 study by Nationwide of more than 1,500 Americans revealed that 18 percent of those surveyed admitted to TWD - that number jumps to 39 percent for drivers under 30 years old.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.



Nationwide

Charley Gillespie, 614-249-5701

gillesc1@nationwide.com

Source: Nationwide