White Plains, NY - February 15, 2000 |  A survey by Response Insurance, a national direct-to-the-customer auto insurance company, indicates some disturbing behavior by distracted drivers.

The Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey revealed that 76% of all drivers engaged in activities while driving that distracted their attention from the road. In many cases the driving distractions resulted in accidents or near-accidents. "People seem to be so caught up in doing things simultaneously to save time that safe driving has taken a back seat," cautioned Mory Katz, Chairman of Response Insurance.

According to the survey 32% of drivers are reading and writing while on the road, 29% are talking on the phone, 17% are combing hair, 16% are fighting with another passenger, 10% are putting on makeup and 3% are putting in eye drops or contact lens'. 20% are so busy behind the wheel they admit to steering the car with their thighs. The most common driving distractions were tuning in a radio station (62%), eating (57%) and turning around to speak to someone in the car (56%).

In one of the most startling findings, the survey revealed that activities many drivers would consider innocuous were potentially just as dangerous as those usually considered irresponsible. While breaking up a fight between children in the car and racing with another car were both done by 12% of those surveyed, more drivers say they caused or nearly caused an accident by separating their kids than they did by racing another car (26% vs. 21%).

"The survey results demonstrate that being a safe, responsible driver requires more than just not speeding and not cutting people off," said Mr. Katz. "Engaging in seemingly innocuous activities that distract from the important task of driving is playing with fire. We hope that by pointing out these risks people will become better drivers." The survey results are available to the public by calling the Company's toll free number (1-800-610-5928).

SOURCE: Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey. The survey was developed by Leflein Associates, Inc. of Fort Lee NJ and conducted by Opinion Research Corporation International of Princeton NJ. A total of 1,016 telephone interviews were conducted October 14-17, 1999 among a nationally representative sample of adults 18 years of age and older.

Response Insurance is quickly gaining widespread recognition for its logo, an animated red telephone on wheels, that is a visual reminder of accessibility and service. The Response Insurance website is: www.Response.com.