As the number of fatal auto crashes accelerates at an alarming pace – jumping 14 percent in the U.S. from 2014 to 2016[i], Allstate is advocating to put roadway safety front and center. The company recently brought its Reality Rides^® tour to FirstEnergy Park, home of the Lakewood BlueClaws Minor League Baseball team, to heighten awareness of the often devastating, but preventable, impact of distracted driving. 

“From personal devices and navigation systems to interacting with passengers and even simple things like eating, a variety of distractions can easily divert drivers’ attention,” said Allstate agency owner Ben Goldfischer. “Reality Rides provides a secure environment for people in Lakewood to learn about the often costly and deadly impact of distracted driving and is an important part of Allstate’s efforts to help make our roads safer.”

Now in its fifth year touring North America, Reality Rides features a stationary vehicle equipped with a virtual reality, curved LED screen across the windshield to display animated scenarios drivers often encounter. Using the simulator’s steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, operators try to navigate those situations while also attempting to text message, answer phone calls or use in-car technology like GPS, all activities that frequently distract drivers in real life. Afterward, participants receive “traffic citations” that highlight real infractions they have committed during their simulations.

This year, Reality Rides also offers new features and enhanced technology, including touch-screen monitors that educate participants about New Jersey traffic deaths and that enable visitors to take selfies to share on social media as GIFs. Also for the first time, Reality Rides will feature a virtual pledge wall displaying participants’ photos, as a demonstration of their support for Allstate’s X the TXT movement in which drivers pledge to not text behind the wheel.

Safety Tips

Allstate offers the following tips to prevent distracted driving:

• Put cell phones and other mobile devices out of reach prior to departing, to eliminate the desire to check them while driving.
• Input navigation directions and send messages before getting on the road.
• Use caution when choosing to listen to loud music or engage with other passengers.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel and don’t try to multi-task with other common distractions like eating or applying makeup.

Lakewood is one of 50 cities to host Reality Rides this year. For more tour stops and event photos, visit Facebook.com/XtheTXT. While there, check out information and resources about distracted driving, engage in the conversation and invite friends and family to participate in prevention efforts.

Goldfischer Agency Inc. is located at 300 Main St. in Lakewood and can be reached at (732)-719-4050. For more information and to view office hours, visit their website.

Photo Caption: Allstate Exclusive Agent Ben Goldfischer tests the Reality Rides distracted driving simulator.