Statewide Poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind™ Reveals Distracted Drivers and Pedestrians are a Dangerous Mix

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the most recent statewide poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University's (FDU) PublicMind™ conducted on behalf of Palisades Insurance, 22% of New Jersey residents have no knowledge of the New Jersey state law that mandates that motorists must stop — and remain stopped — for pedestrians in the crosswalk.  Additionally, 30% of those polled said that they are not aware of distracted drivers on the road when crossing the street – a statistic even more alarming considering that 25% of New Jersey residents admit to texting while driving, according to a July 2010 FDU/PublicMind poll.

"It's been proven that distracted driving is a very real problem in our state and throughout the country, claiming the lives of 5,474 Americans in 2009(1) alone," said Ed Fernandez, president and CEO of Palisades Insurance. "During the holiday season in particular, when more people are in crosswalks around shopping areas, it's critical that drivers are concentrating on the road and are aware of our current New Jersey pedestrian crosswalk laws."

As part of the effort to combat the growing number of distracted drivers in New Jersey, Palisades Insurance has teamed up with Illume Software to offer iZUP*, a downloadable mobile application that holds texts, emails and calls while driving, at a special rate to their customers and a discounted rate to all other NJ residents through the Palisades.com website.

"Together Illume and Palisades are working to combat the distracted driving epidemic," said Daniel Ross, president and CEO of Illume Software, developers of iZUP.  "It is gratifying to partner with an innovative company such as Palisades which is at the forefront of its industry in drawing attention to this deadly practice and in developing creative solutions to help consumers kick the habit."

Palisades customers are eligible to receive 15 months of service for the price of 12  by purchasing the application online at Palisades.com.  All other NJ Residents can also go to Palisades.com for the discount rate.  For more information on iZUP*, visit Palisades.com.

"Considering the increase in the number of teenagers who text and talk while driving, iZUP is a great holiday gift-giving idea for parents looking to ensure their child's focus is on the road when behind the wheel," added Fernandez.

The 2010 Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind™ survey polled 503 registered voters in New Jersey between November 15, 2010 and November 21, 2010.

(1) http://www.nhtsa.gov/PR/DOT-174-10

*Palisades does not warrant or endorse the goods or services offered by merchants referenced.

About Palisades

Palisades is the Nice New Jersey Car Insurance Company® that gives you more. Drivers and agents get more reasons to smile with more value, friendly New Jersey expertise, and service done right. Palisades sells exclusively through over 300 independent agents and is a leader in the fast settlement of claims. Palisades Safety and Insurance Management Corporation is the Attorney-in-Fact of Palisades Safety and Insurance Association (PSIA). Insurance is written by PSIA and its two wholly-owned insurers, Palisades Insurance Company and Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company (collectively "Palisades").

Palisades Safety and Insurance Management Corporation is a Plymouth Rock managed company. The Plymouth Rock Companies write and manage more than $1 billion in personal and commercial auto and homeowner's insurance across the Northeast.

About Illume Software

With headquarters in the Boston area, Illume Software is led by experienced mobile, telecom, internet, and media veterans and boasts boards of prominent business, political, financial, and technology leaders. iZUP, is the only solution that effectively eliminates all cell phone related distractions for drivers and is the first of many products to come from the company. www.getiZup.com

SOURCE Palisades