GEICO Partners with WTKR to Raise Awareness for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA--April 7, 2011: GEICO and WTKR News Channel 3 are partnering with DRIVE SMART Virginia to raise awareness in the Hampton Roads Community for Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“Studies have shown that distracted driving is a great cause for concern and is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence”

Throughout April, GEICO, WTKR, Teens With Purpose and the City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation will kick off a month-long campaign encouraging drivers to stop using their cell phones while driving. There will be a Teen Forum at Green Run High School on April 26^th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"Studies have shown that distracted driving is a great cause for concern and is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence," said Joe Thomas, GEICO regional vice president. "GEICO is proud to be partnering with each of these organizations to help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving during the month of April and beyond."

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. The company is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year. GEICO handles auto insurance coverage for 10 million private passenger auto policies and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and mobile homes. Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

A member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys.