NJDOT and GEICO remind motorists to use Safe Phone Zones

July 4th holiday is in the peak summer driving season

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today are reminding motorists to curb distracted driving by using “Safe Phone Zones,” sponsored by Geico Insurance Company, located in Rest Areas and Scenic Overlooks statewide. As the July 4th holiday approaches, drivers are reminded that the summer is the busiest driving season.

This summer marks the first anniversary of GEICO’s sponsorship of Safe Phone Zones in New Jersey. GEICO sponsors similar programs in six other states, with more states embracing the initiative each year.

“Programs such as this partnership with GEICO help get the message out on highway safety and reminds every driver of the dangers of distracted driving.” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “We encourage motorists to use the 14 designated Safe Phone Zones if they need to make a call.”

"During the past year, we have formed a strong safety partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation," said Jeremy Connor, GEICO regional vice president. "As drivers head out on New Jersey’s highways during the holiday week, we encourage them to keep an eye out for GEICO Safe Phone Zone signs, where they can safely and conveniently pull off to get connected out of harm’s way.”

Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,450 lives in 2016 alone, according to the USDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA also advises that texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving; at any given moment across America approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving.

As part of the solution, the NJDOT has designated 14 rest area and scenic overlook facilities throughout the state as Safe Phone Zones, where drivers can safely and conveniently use their mobile devices for calling, texting, posting and accessing apps. The Safe Phone Zones are identified with GEICO branded highway signs, reminding motorists to pull off to use their smartphones and tablets safely.

More facts and tips on ways to avoid distracted driving can be found at www.SafePhoneZone.com as well as on the GEICO More branded content hub.

For more information about the NJDOT and GEICO Safe Phone Zone sponsorship program, click here. To join the conversation on social media, use #GEICOSafePhoneZone. For NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info and on the NJDOT Facebook page.