GEICO To Sponsor ‘Text Stops’ On NYS Highways

The New York State Department of Transportation is teaming up with GEICO Insurance Comapny to sponsor 'Text Stops' along New York's highways.

GEICO will pay nearly $1.3 million to the state over the next five years as well as paying for new signs for the 52 'Text Stop' locations.

The announcement was made Thursday by New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll.

"Governor Cuomo initiated the first-ever 'Texting Zones' along state highways in 2013, and this innovative partnership with GEICO supports New York's broad efforts to curb distracted driving and the traffic safety hazards it creates," Commissioner Driscoll said. "This sponsorship agreement provides one more way to encourage motorists to focus on driving and pull off the road to text or use mobile devices."

Rest areas, park and ride facilities and parking areas were converted to multi-functional 'Text Stops' in 2013 and can be found along all state DOT operated highways and the New York State Thruway.

"We all know distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roadways," said GEICO President of New York Operations Rick Hoagland, "The number of injuries and fatalities is staggering. GEICO is proud to work with the New York Department of Transportation to support 52 text stops where drivers will have a safe place to use their smartphones."

GEICO also supports similar programs in Virginia, Arizona and Florida.