SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USAA, a leading financial services provider for military members and their families, has launched a nationwide tour to more than 10 military installations and events to demonstrate how texting while driving impairs a person’s ability behind the wheel and increases their risk of a collision. The tour, an extension of AT&T’s “It Can Wait” initiative, supports the military community’s “101 Critical Days of Safety” program, which focuses on safety education during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
“No text message, email, website or video is worth the risk of endangering your life or the lives of others,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, president of the USAA Property and Casualty Insurance Group. “That message is at the heart of ‘It Can Wait.’ We encourage our employees, USAA members and the entire military community to pledge to put safety first.”
Distracted driving is a widespread problem, killing 3,331 people and injuring approximately 387,000 nationwide in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). Additionally, a Monash University study reports drivers who use a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to cause injury.
The USAA tour features a texting while driving simulator that demonstrates the dangers of texting behind the wheel first-hand. In addition to the tour, USAA will encourage more members and employees to take the ‘It Can Wait’ pledge. Earlier this year, more than 6,500 USAA employees committed to not text and drive.
“We’re glad to join with industry leader USAA to help stop the deadly practice of texting while driving,” said AT&T Global Marketing Officer Cathy Coughlin. “Together we can reach even more consumers with our message that no text is worth a life.”
The tour is part of USAA’s ongoing efforts to reduce distracted driving. In 2012, USAA hosted distracted driving summits in Texas and Florida. These summits brought together government officials, law enforcement, traffic safety experts, physicians, businesses and others to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and facilitate advocacy efforts to help change behaviors.
To take the pledge not to text and drive and get more information about the USAA simulator tour, visit itcanwait.usaa.com.
About USAA
USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 9.6 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their eligible family members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.
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