The West Virginia
Parkways Authority and Encova Insurance are working together to promote Safe
Phone Zones where drivers can stop to use their mobile devices safely while
traveling the Turnpike.

Safe Phone Zones are part
of a joint effort to curb distracted driving on West Virginia’s highways. Distracted
driving is a national epidemic that affects drivers of all ages, especially
teens and commercial drivers. Distracted drivers are a danger to everyone on
the road.
§ At any given moment
across the U.S., approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating
electronic devices while driving.
§ Distracted driving
claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone. Among those killed were 1,730
drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians and 77 bicyclists.
Safe Phone Zones have the
potential to prevent these types of accidents and save lives. Motorists are
invited to stop and use their mobile devices safely at Safe Phone Zones located
at rest areas, travel plazas, and welcome and cultural centers along the
Turnpike.
As the 36th
state to make handheld cell phone use a primary offense, West Virginia stands
behind initiatives to combat distracted driving that make the Turnpike safer
for all drivers. Encova Insurance rewards drivers with excellent driving
records–and that means no driving distracted!
Together, WVPA and Encova Insurance are demonstrating
their commitment to focused driving by promoting safe alternatives to driving
distracted: Safe Phone Zones.