Neko
Supreme Overlord
Dec 11, 2003, 1:55 AM
Post #1 of 1
(1122 views)
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ATLANTA and PARSIPPANY, N.J. May 20, 2003 - You're in an unfamiliar place, driving a rental car and using your wireless phone. Cingular and Avis say, "Be Sensible!" Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless carrier, and Avis Rent A Car System, the world's second largest general-use car rental brand, announce a partnership that will help you limit distractions and "Be Sensible" while using a wireless device and driving a rental car.
Key elements of the promotion include an online "Pledge to Be Sensible" offered to Avis customers, which earns them a free upgrade on their next rental and discounted accessories from Cingular. Also, the two companies will provide wireless safety tips at Avis' largest airport locations throughout the United States and at www.avis.com. In addition, year-round Avis bus advertising will provide Avis customers with constant reminders on how to limit the distraction of wireless phones and other devices while driving.
To help Avis customers comply with state law in New York that prohibits the use of hand-held phones while driving, the two companies will test market free headset distribution at six New York locations plus Newark.
The first-of-its-kind partnership, announced during Wireless Safety Week, will provide drivers with the opportunity to learn more about wireless safety through Cingular's nationwide courtesy and safety campaign, Be Sensible. In addition, the program is the newest component of Avis Cares® , a multi-faceted program designed to promote travel safety and reduce driver stress.
"This is an important step for Cingular and Avis as we partner to promote wireless safety to rental car drivers," said Marc Lefar, chief marketing officer, Cingular Wireless. "Our partnership with Avis allows us to reach drivers at a place and time when there is the greatest potential for distraction and remind them that safety should always come first when driving."
Braun Research recently completed a survey of 1000 Americans who have rented a car in the last year. In terms of limiting distractions while driving a rental car, only 10 percent said they familiarize themselves with the vehicle before driving away. Of the respondents who listed other popular ways to limit distractions, 25 percent included driving more carefully, 15 percent said slowing down, 14 percent said they refrain from using a wireless phone, 14 percent included turning off the radio/CD player and 14 percent ask for directions before getting in the car. In addition, 89 percent said they did not check local laws on wireless phone use while driving before going on a trip.
"Avis shares Cingular's belief that wireless safety is a fundamental part of safe driving," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Cendant Car Rental Group, the parent company of Avis. "This campaign for wireless safety is one more Avis Cares initiative that helps to ensure our customers have a safe and stress free rental experience."
The Braun Research study, sponsored by Cingular and Avis, also asked participants, "Who is the first person you call when you arrive at your main destination?"
Following is a summary of responses: - Spouse/Partner, 45 percent
- Child/Children, 19 percent
- Colleague/Assistant, 3.5 percent
- Boss, 1.9 percent
The Be Sensible promotional campaign at Avis will roll out nationally the first week of June and will continue through July 31.
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