General Motors' 'SenseAble Driving' Program Wins National Award From Intelligent Transportation Society of America
Warren, Mich. - General Motors received national recognition from the Intelligent Transportation Society (ITS) of America for its three-year, multi-million dollar education effort "SenseAble driving." The award was presented Tuesday at the society’s annual conference and exposition in Long Beach, Calif.
Of the 75 entries in a total of seven categories, GM’s "SenseAble driving" campaign won the award for the best marketing effort. This category focused on consumer-oriented intelligent transportation systems technology or related services.
"General Motors is proud to have been selected Best of ITS for our ‘SenseAble driving’ program," said Jim Rillings, manager of vehicle information technologies at the GM research and development center. "We have been committed to raising public awareness about the dangers posed by the wide variety of distractions faced by drivers. We’re pleased that the program was recognized by ITS America."
General Motors leads the automotive industry in researching and addressing driver distraction through "SenseAble driving," a comprehensive program that includes a driver awareness partnership with the Michigan Secretary of State. The program is in effect in all 173 Michigan Secretary of State offices and has been made available to other states’ department of motor vehicle offices.
The education campaign includes posters, brochures, an 8 1/2-minute animated video and an interactive computer game warning motorists about driver distraction. The posters feature images of motorists performing distracting activities while driving - such as tending to children in the back seat and dialing hand-held cell phones - paired with the images of a crashed vehicle. The message is simple: "Is this - worth this? Don’t drive distracted." The brochures offer tips on ways motorists can counteract distraction in their own vehicles. The Internet-based interactive computer demonstration is aimed at showing the risks associated with taking on too many activities while driving, and is aimed at drivers of all ages, particularly young drivers.
"Our goal with this program is to encourage drivers to think about all of the things they do while driving, and why they can be dangerous," said Rillings. "Being recognized with the Best of ITS Award demonstrates that our message is getting out to the public."
General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In 2001, GM earned $1.5 billion on sales of $177.3 billion, excluding special items. It employs about 362,000 people globally.
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of GM and an integral part of the "SenseAble driving" program, is the industry leader in vehicle communications and information services. It provides more than 2 million subscribers with a variety of services, including personalized assistance, emergency aid, and hands-free, voice-activated access to Internet-based information, including news, sports, weather, e-mail and stock quotes. The Personal Calling service provides hands-free, voice-activated, cellular phone access.
Learn more about GM’s "SenseAble driving" campaign at www.senseabledriving.com. Find out more about General Motors at www.gm.com.
