12/26/2014 (press release: CambridgePRGroup) // RAYNHAM, Mass. // Mastria Nissan
It can almost feel like second nature to reach for your phone while driving to see who just texted you, but similar actions have proven fatal for the more than 3,000 people who die in accidents related to distracted driving each year. To help curb that disturbing trend, Nissan teamed with NBC and star singer Adam Levine of “The Voice” on Dec. 15 for Red Thumb Day, which encouraged drivers to mark their thumbs red as a visual reminder to not pick up their phones.
Nissan’s Red Thumb Day played off of the Red Thumb Reminder program created by EVB advertising’s Steve Babcock, who was inspired by his daughter’s habit of tying yarn to her finger to remember school-related tasks. While Babcock’s program started with the suggestion of red nail polish, Levine remarks in an online video for Nissan that any red marking will do, and Nissan dealerships have even distributed Red Thumb Reminder bands to their customers. Social media users can still use the #RedThumb hashtag while posting photos of their red markings to have them appear on the www.nissanusa.com/redthumb/ microsite.
“Nissan has brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘thumbing a ride’ with its texting campaign, and we hope that it will make our customers think twice before fumbling for their phone when they hear it ring or buzz on the road,” said Bruce Garcia, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Nissan dealer in Raynham, Mass. “The automaker is also putting its money where its mouth is with new technology that can help prevent distracted driving by integrating smartphones into its cars.”
One example of that available technology is the Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant included in the NissanConnect infotainment system. Activated by a phone button on the steering wheel in many new Nissan models, the Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant can read incoming texts aloud and respond with pre-loaded messages based on the driver’s voice commands. In addition to default responses like “Driving, can’t text,” “Running late” and “On my way,” owners can create custom messages while safely parked to send in the future. That impressive functionality recently prompted Inc. magazine to place the 2015 Nissan Altima on its list of the 10 most high-tech business sedans for 2015.
About Mastria Nissan:
Mastria Nissan has been serving Massachusetts Nissan fans since 2004, focusing on exceptional customer service and a low-pressure sales environment. Their Nissan dealership offers the full line of Nissan sedans, crossovers and pickups, as well as a state-of-the-art Nissan service department staffed with skilled technicians. Plus, Mastria Nissan is the only authorized NV dealer in the area, making them the destination for business owners in Southern Massachusetts who need commercial vehicles. Located at 1305 New State Highway in Raynham, they can be reached by phone at 888-820-9028 or found online at www.mastrianissan.com and www.facebook.com/MastriaNissan.
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