Meriden CT – August 15, 2006 |  With bans against cell phone use while driving spreading nationwide, a newly released survey reveals that American drivers support bans against other activities they consider distractions on the road, as well.

According to a national survey by Response Insurance, a national car insurer, 65% of Blackberry owners favor banning their use behind the wheel. In fact, Blackberry owners supported the ban more than those who do not own one (58%).

The “Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey” also reveals that 59% of hand-held cell phone owners support banning their cell phones while driving, and even 19% of hands-free cell phone owners want hands-free cell phone use while driving banned. In the general driver population, support for a ban on hand-held and hands-free cell phones while driving was somewhat higher at 62% and 28%, respectively.

The Survey also revealed significant support for banning several other activities behind the wheel:

• Reading: 79% 
• Text Messaging: 72% 
• Grooming: 68% 

However, also according to the Survey, drivers were less enthusiastic about banning other activities while driving:

• Eating: 36% 
• Smoking: 34% 
• Listening to an iPod or MP3 player: 28% 

“Our Survey results appear to reflect a growing concern that multi-tasking behind the wheel is getting out of hand,” said Mory Katz, Chairman & CEO of the Response Insurance Group. “But, the fastest way drivers can put those concerns into action is by not engaging in activities that present distractions.”

Source: The Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey of 1,000 adults was conducted 8/18-21/05. The survey has a margin of error of + / - 3%. This data is being released for the first time in this news release.