U-Haul Launches Free Online Course to Combat Distracted Driving

PHOENIX, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, U-Haul International Inc., the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage, is today introducing its first-ever online distracted driving course as part of the Company's ongoing mission to fight distracted driving.

The free, self-guided online course will work to educate drivers and raise awareness surrounding the dangers associated with distracted driving, including texting and driving.  Upon completion of the course, users will have a better understanding of distracted driving, including examples of distractive behaviors, the consequences of distracted driving, ways to avoid driving distracted, and more. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), more than 3,000 deaths in automobile accidents were caused by distracted driving in 2012.  At any given moment across the United States, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving—a number that has held steady since 2010.

"Distracted driving can take on many forms, and we believe our online tutorial will not only further educate our customers about what distracted driving is and how to avoid it, but will also encourage them to become more self-aware of their own driving habits," said U-Haul Executive Vice President Stuart Shoen. "The ongoing fight against distracted driving begins with education, and we believe our course will encourage drivers to reflect on the importance of safe driving, both now, during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and in the long-term future."

As added incentive, U-Haul will offer discounts on U-HaulCarShare to those who complete the course.

To take the free online Distracted Driving Course, please visit
www.myuhaulstory.com/distracted-driving. To learn more about distracted driving, please visit www.uhaul.com/distracteddriving. 

About U-Haul
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the choice for the do-it-yourself mover. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the Company to maintain the largest rental fleet in the do-it-yourself moving industry which includes a fleet of trucks, trailers, towing devices and U-Box containers. U-Haul also offers self-storage throughout North America. U-Haul is the consumer's number one choice as the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Company supplies alternative-fuel for vehicles and backyard barbecues as one of the nation's largest retailers of propane.

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SOURCE U-Haul