MONTEREY, Calif., March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Western region auto insurer
Capital Insurance Group (CIG) -- http://www.ciginsurance.com -- has launched a
driver safety program promoting the hands-free use of cell phones. Drivers
with CIG Auto insurance can get a CIG Bluetooth headset free by recommending a
friend, or purchase one at 50 percent below retail.
The Bluetooth device, which is compatible with most cellular phones,
features voice-activated dialing, background-noise reduction, easy-touch call
reception, call transfer, and three-way calling capabilities.
The use of a wireless headset while driving became mandatory in California
and Washington on July 1, 2008. These states and others have banned the use of
handheld cellular phones when behind the wheel. The new law in California
imposes a $20 fine for a first offense and a $50 fine for subsequent
violations. A ban on text messaging was added to the law last September.
CIG's announcement coincides with a new report showing California's hands-
free driving law has been more effective than lawmakers originally
anticipated. According to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles, fatal
traffic accidents were down 13 percent overall between July 1 and Dec. 31,
when compared to the same six-month window from the year before. Overall,
there were nearly 1.3 fewer traffic-related deaths per day during that same
period than the year before. In June, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
said he hoped the hands-free law would save 300 lives a year.
"Drivers are safer because of the new hands-free law," CIG President and
CEO Peter Cazolla said. "By giving our clients affordable access to Bluetooth
headsets, we help make the roadways safer and more secure for everyone."
For more information about CIG Auto insurance, go to
http://www.cig-auto.com.
CIG Auto Insurance is available in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
and Arizona. CIG auto policies also offer 24/7 Nationwide Emergency Roadside
Service. CIG's driver protection plan gives every driver in an insured
household their own AutoCard 100 wallet card offering back-home towing of up
to 100 miles. Drivers with CIG Auto insurance also get a complimentary
membership to The Protector Network -- http://www.TheProtectorNetwork.com --
offering drivers additional savings, safety and security benefits.
About Capital Insurance Group
Capital Insurance Group(R) (CIG) -- http://www.ciginsurance.com -- is a
property and casualty insurer serving the Western U.S. states of California,
Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Washington. The 110-year-old company is rated 'A'
(Excellent) by A.M. Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance
industry.
CIG manages personal, business and agriculture risks underwritten by its
four affiliates: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance
Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company.
Types of policies may vary from state to state.
CIG Delivers More. Continuously. (TM)
SOURCE Capital Insurance Group
