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Pedestrians Should Take Extra Precautions During Daylight Savings, According to GMAC Insurance

Auto Insurer Encourages Safety Awareness Among Pedestrians and Drivers During Time Switch

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Date /PRNewswire/ — During Daylight Savings, clocks and smoke alarms aren't the only things needing attention; according to GMAC Insurance, drivers and pedestrians should also pay attention to their habits to stay safe.

Last year, a study confirmed that pedestrians are three times more likely to be killed in the month during the Daylight Savings switch (both in spring and fall). In response, GMAC Insurance surveyed over 5,000 licensed Americans to determine if they take additional safety precautions during the time change. The findings reveal that two-thirds of respondents – amounting to approximately 133 million Americans – do not take extra precautions while walking during this time.

"It's our duty as an insurance company to remind both drivers and pedestrians of the steps they can take to ensure their safety during this transitional period," said Wade Bontrager, vice president, marketing, GMAC Insurance.

To help keep drivers and pedestrians safe from dawn through dusk, GMAC Insurance offers the following tips:

Drivers

  • Keep your eyes moving and away from glare. By focusing on the white lines on the side of the road ahead, you'll both avoid oncoming headlights and be able to see any upcoming pedestrians.
  • Pedestrians are more likely to cross the street when you are turning at a green light or turning right on red. Take an extra look to make sure your path is clear.
  • Remember that pedestrians always have the right of way. Even if they are crossing where they're not supposed to, you must stop.

Pedestrians

  • Wear reflective or bright clothing. You can never assume that vehicles will see you, but this makes you easier to spot on the side of the road.
  • Always cross the street at a crosswalk, and look left and right and then left again for cars coming before crossing the street.
  • Keep on the sidewalks if possible. If there are none, make sure you are walking against traffic.

For more information about GMAC Insurance coverage and to find a local independent agent, call 877-468-3466, or visit www.gmacinsurance.com.

The GMAC Insurance Group is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GMAC Financial Services. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines offers a variety of property and casualty products, including personal auto, RV, motorcycle, commercial auto and homeowners insurance. With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, GMAC Insurance provides superior claims service for its customers.

About GMAC Financial Services

GMAC Financial Services is a global finance company operating in and servicing North America, South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. GMAC specializes in automotive finance, real estate finance, insurance, commercial finance and online banking. As of Dec. 31, 2007, the organization had $248 billion in assets and serviced 15 million customers. Visit the GMAC media site at www.media.gmacfs.com for more information.