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Division of Insurance Annual Statement
July 25, 2005
Commerce Insurance Teams Up with In Control Advanced Driver Training Program Targeted at Teenage Drivers
WEYMOUTH (July 25, 2005)- In an attempt to reduce the number of accidents among teenage drivers, Commerce Insurance Company has teamed up with In Control Advanced Driver Training (ADT) to educate young drivers using advanced driver training techniques. Beginning immediately, independent agents that represent Commerce Insurance will be able to share information about the program with their customers who have newly licensed individuals in their family, and encourage them to participate in an In Control ADT training session. Research shows that advanced driver training programs reduce the number of crashes among new drivers by more than 70%.
At a press conference held at the In Control ADT facilities in Weymouth today, Commerce Insurance Senior Vice President of Marketing Peter Dignan and In Control ADT CEO Ian Wallis, were joined by Committee on Public Safety Co-Chairman, State Representative Bradford Hill (R-Ipswich), a strong proponent of tougher restrictions on teen drivers, Andover Police Chief Brian Pattullo, one of the many police chiefs involved in the program on a local level, Jeffrey Helm of Atlantic Advisers Insurance Inc. whose agency represents Commerce Insurance, and Colleen Carr, who lost a teenaged son in a car accident two years ago. Carr?s seventeen-year-old son went through the In Control ADT program recently.
?Based on my personal experience, along with that of my 16 year old son, I strongly recommend that parents of newly licensed operators have their children participate in this program as the skills learned can save their lives,? said Commerce Insurance Senior V.P. of Marketing Peter Dignan.
Studies show that 43% of new drivers are involved in automobile accidents their first year driving, and 37% have accidents in their second year. There are approximately 47,000 teen crashes in Massachusetts every year. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens.
?We seek to produce veteran drivers ? even before they are granted a license,? said Representative Brad Hill. ?In fact, the Committee on Public Safety strongly recommends that young driver?s should be encouraged to attend an advanced driver training course.?
Commerce Insurance Company, many local Police Chief?s, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the State House?s Committee on Public Safety, recommends that all new drivers be enrolled in an advanced driver training program.
?In Control's program should be a requirement for all new drivers. Even people who are experienced drivers can benefit from this experience,? said Andover Police Chief Pattullo.
In Control ADT offers a unique half-day hands-on course developed by professionally trained racecar drivers who also train police, firefighters, EMT?s and other emergency response drivers. New drivers will learn how to effectively use ABS brakes, skid control, the effects of speed on control, the dangers of tailgating, problems with backing up and an emergency lane change. The program is offered at the In Control ADT facilities in Weymouth--eight acres of land at the former Weymouth Naval Base, and provides students with 4 ½ hours of instruction and one-on-one training where the students get behind the wheel and practice until they master each skill. In Control?s proprietary methodology was developed with knowledge of the three accident types that account for 94% of teen crashes and how learning modalities impact the way hands-on lessons must be presented to students.
?Parents live in fear that their child will be involved in a horrible car crash. And they should be scared?driving a car is the most dangerous activity a teenager will undertake. When parents give their kids the keys to the car, they are willingly putting them in mortal danger for the first time,? said Ian M. Wallis, CEO, In Control ADT.
In Control ADT is a program that will significantly reduce the risks associated with a new driver. Specifically, this program will reduce the possibility of young drivers being in an accident involving loss of life, serious injuries, and/or property damage. New drivers significantly improve their ability to recognize dangerous situations, understand limitations and handle their vehicle in an emergency.
Research shows that driver training programs have the following benefits:
Reduce crashes among trained new drivers by more than 70%
Research done by the Co-operative Insurance Companies shows that at-fault teen crash totals were reduced by a factor of over three times for trained participants
Accident rates of first and second year drivers were reduced by about ten times
Avoidance of a 43% likelihood of a large repair bill: The MINIMUM automobile accident will cost your family $4100.
The In Control ADT program costs $299. The cost for a second family member is $150 and each additional family member is only $100 when taking on the same day. In Control ADT will offer Commerce customers a 10% discount on the cost of this program. For more information about In Control ADT, please call 1-888-301-SAFE, or visit www.InControladt.com.
Commerce Insurance Group, Inc. based in Webster, Massachusetts is a publicly held corporation traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CGI." The Commerce Insurance Company is the leading insurer of Massachusetts personal automobile insurance with over 1 million vehicles insured.