April 08, 2012
For Immediate Release
Kevin Tilden
Office: 619-435-7402
Mobile: 619-206-8099
Email: kevin.tilden@amwater.com
California American Water partners with National Safety Council and C.H.P to oppose distracted driving during April Cell phone use behind 25 percent of all auto accidents; utility workers particularly exposed
SACRAMENTO, Calif (April 8, 2012) - California American Water
has partnered with the National Safety Council to promote
"Driving While Distracted Awareness Month," which occurs
every April.
This campaign endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers
of driving while distracted with a particular focus on cell
phone usage. According to the NSC, nearly 25 percent of all
auto accidents in the U.S. involve drivers that were using
their cell phones at the time. Utility workers are uniquely
exposed to this and other forms of careless driving as they
are often working alongside or in close proximity to moving
traffic.
"Our field employees are on the road everyday and are often
working in high-risk traffic environments," said Grady
Stevens, operations supervisor for California American
Water's Northern Division. "And while we have rigorous safety
protocols in place for employees conducting street work, we
cannot control the behaviors of passing motorist. That is why
we support this campaign in asking drivers to turn off their
phones and eliminate other distractions while behind the
wheel. There isn't a single phone call or text message
important enough to endanger the lives of yourself or
others."
In service to this campaign, California American Water has
outfitted all its fleet vehicles with bumper stickers that
read: "ur txt can w8, please drive safely." In addition, the
company has produced a video public service announcement in
partnership with the California Highway Patrol that includes
employee testimonials and facts about the importance of
driving with minimal distractions. To view this video, please
visit the company's YouTube channel at:
http://www.youtube.com/caamwateror its Facebook page at: http://facebook.com/caamwater.
PRESS RELEASE www.californiaamwater.com
California American Water Opposes Distracted Driving
People are also encouraged to visit the NSC's "Distracted
Driving" webpage at
http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Pages/distracted_driving.aspxto find additional information about the
campaign and specific tips to reduce auto accidents.
Some of these tips include:
• Make a personal commitment to drive cell free ; it's the
law
• Research existing technology that prevents cell phone use
while driving by holding your calls and messages and
delivering them when you are finished driving
• Turn your phone off or put it on silent while driving so
you are not tempted to answer it
• Speak up when you are in the car with someone who uses a
cell phone while driving - ask if you can do it for them, or
if it can wait
• Change your voicemail message to reflect that you are
either away from your phone or driving, and that you'll call
back when you can do so safely
• If you are talking to someone who you know is driving, tell
him/her to hang up and call you later
"Working together through this campaign, we can change the
culture of distracted driving and make our roads safer for
motorist, pedestrians and utility workers," Stevens said.
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California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of
American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and
reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately
600,000 people.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly
traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With
headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs
approximately
7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water,
wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15
million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada.
More
information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
PRESS RELEASE www. californiaamwater.com
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