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Fear On the Road for the Holidays

19 December 2000

Fear On the Road for the Holidays

             National Survey Reveals Two-Thirds Consider Holidays
                         Most Dangerous Time to Drive

    WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 19 It's been said that "There's
no place like home for the holidays," but perhaps not if you have to drive to
get there. According to a national survey of more than one thousand people
conducted by Response Insurance, a direct-to-the-consumer auto insurance
company focusing on responsible drivers, 67% of drivers say that the holidays
are the most dangerous time to be on the road.
    Americans will be shopping, visiting family and friends and getting away
for winter vacations, but they'll be doing so with anxiety about both the
drive ahead and the other drivers they may encounter along the way. When
questioned about the ability of other drivers, 83% of those polled expressed
fears that other drivers are not paying sufficient attention to the road, 75%
feared aggressive drivers, and 74% were fearful of drivers who may have been
drinking and/or using drugs.

    "Unfortunately what should be one of the most joyful times of the year is
often marred by the reality of dangerous behavior on the road," said Mory
Katz, Chairman of Response Insurance. Katz suggested that drivers not let the
frantic pace of the season obstruct the goal of getting to their destinations
safely. He suggested that drivers:
    -- Be cautious about weather conditions.
    -- Pay close attention to the behavior of other drivers.
    -- Stay calm and not take out their aggression behind the wheel.
    -- Don't get distracted from the road.
    -- Don't drink and drive.

    Additional survey results and driver safety brochures can be obtained at
http://www.response.com or by calling toll free 1-800-610-5928.

    Contact: Ray Palermo, Office - 1-914-640-6588, Off-hours Pager -
1-800-759-8888 enter PIN: 1196453, Ray.Palermo@ResponseInsurance.com