The Red Thumb Reminder is designed to keep drivers from texting while behind the wheel.
Auto safety officials hope to see plenty of people with red nail polish on their thumbs, Tuesday. The nail polish is designed to remind drivers not to text and drive. A recent study from AAA Michigan found 92 percent of drivers believe texting while driving is very dangerous. Despite that belief, 37 percent admitted they've sent a text while operating a vehicle.
AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director, Susan Hiltz, stated that while all the technology in automobiles today is great, none should be used as "even hands-free is not distraction-free." Hiltz cites research that confirms our brains are distracted, even if a device doesn't require us to use our hands.
Hiltz says while concern over younger drivers is important, people of all ages need to remain focused on the road when operating a vehicle.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
