Grant allows Stay Alive .... Just Drive! to continue their mission

Grant allows Stay Alive …. Just Drive!, Inc. to continue their mission; educating new drivers regarding the dangers of distracted driving.

FORT MYERS, FL (December 9, 2011) – We are proud to partner together with The Allstate Foundation and announce Stay Alive …. Just Drive!, Inc.(SAJD) has been awarded a $25,000 grant to support the LOL I’M NT BSY I’M ONLY DRVING © distracted driving presentation.

“For more than 50 years The Allstate Foundation has proudly supported a wide range of projects and organizations that have made a difference in communities across the country. We are pleased to build on our legacy of furthering Teen Safe Driving Efforts by supporting SAJD’s valuable work”, said Cathy Mayo, regional liaison, for The Allstate Foundation.

The grant will be used to continue educating driver’s education students in Lee County and expand the program into Collier County. Stay Alive …. Just Drive!, the nationally recognized leader in traffic crash prevention, education and awareness has been actively and aggressively educating young drivers regarding the dangers of unsafe and distracted driving since 2006, using a comprehensive power point presentation.

In this presentation SAJD uses statistics, studies, actual stories and visual effects to help drivers recognize how distractions reduce their safety. We reinforce the importance that drivers remain fully focused on the driving task at hand and be prepared for other drivers who are not.

Since the introduction of the automobile, distractions have always been a major factor in the safe operation of a vehicle. Distracted driving puts other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the bulls-eye. Given the number of distractions in these days of electronic technology, along with eating, grooming, and dealing with small children, society must accept the fact that distracted driving has become a public health threat.

In the past 5 years the U.S. has seen a 25 percent reduction in traffic fatalities, but there has been a 42 percent increase in fatalities related to distracted driving. Sadly motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death and long term disability, including brain and spinal cord injuries for ages 1 -44, and the number one killer Crashes remain the leading for ages 15 – 24.

According to a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) 2006 study of 100 drivers, driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near misses. 80% of crashes and 65% of near misses involve some form of driver distraction.

SAJD executive director, Jay Anderson said “Most people today consider unsafe driving a threat to themselves and others who use our roads”. That’s why he reminds everyone, Don’t let distracted driving become your nightmare. When you’re behind the wheel remember: Stay Alert – Stay Focused – Stay Alive …. Just Drive!

To learn more about distracted driving visit us on the web: www.sajd.org

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.allstatefoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Jay Anderson, TSP
Executive director
justdrivefla@embarqmail.com
(239)340-8693

Cathy Mayo
The Allstate Foundation
cathy.mayo@allstate.com
(727)573-6983

SAJD, Inc is a 501(c)3 organization and is proudly affiliated with the American Trauma Society (ATS), American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).