Texting + Driving = Danger!
MONTREAL, June 9 2011 � Two of the world�s best drivers joined hands with CAA-Qu�bec and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) today to demonstrate that texting while driving is dangerous for everyone.
Michael Schumacher of Team Mercedes Benz and Felipe Massa of Team Ferrari climbed into a CAA-Qu�bec driving simulator to show, in a safe environment, that even for the world�s best drivers, texting while driving can be tricky and unsafe.
“Although it may seem obvious to say that texting while driving is dangerous, far too many drivers are ready to run the very potent risk of causing an accident. According to studies on the subject, it seems that the risk of being implicated in a serious or fatal accident is 23 times likelier for drivers using test messaging while driving”, Mr. Yvon Lapointe, Director of Traffic Safety for CAA-Qu�bec, reminds us.
According to a CAA poll, texting while driving is the number one road safety concern of Quebecers and Canadians. CAA and its clubs want all Canadians to understand the danger and to put their cell phones aside when they drive.
“Our research shows this has become a huge concern, and it�s easy to see why,” said Tim Shearman, CAA President. “Texting while driving is an all-too-common habit, but we know it can kill.”
The demonstration took place at La Ronde, a CAA-Qu�bec partner, where CAA-Qu�bec members and the media could also see for themselves the dangers while driving in a safe atmosphere, by trying to text while driving a go-kart.
The event marked the Canadian launch of the FIA Action for Road Safety, an international effort to cut worldwide road casualties in half by 2020. The F�deration internationale de l�automobile was a sponsor of the initiative, and was on hand to support the demonstration. Michael Schumacher is the FIA�s official Road Safety Ambassador.
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services and privileges to its 1.1 million members. It is also very active in the area of road safety.
About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is a federation of nine clubs providing more than 5.6 million members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its members, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure and consumer protection. www.caa.ca
