Esurance to Mobile Gamers: Don't Catch and Drive

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Esurance launched a new campaign, "Don't Catch and Drive," to promote safe driving. The home and auto insurance company speaks out to remind drivers of the dangers of playing mobile games while behind the wheel. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/HqwYZf6mqXo

New mobile games with augmented reality have taken the world by storm. As an insurance company, Esurance frequently sees the outcome of distracted driving. So they created an engaging, relatable video in the spirit of mobile gaming that offers a friendly reminder to keep your eyes on the road.

"Esurance is a brand that embraces modern technology. Like so many others, we love the latest games and augmented reality experiences," said Alan Gellman, chief marketing officer at Esurance. "Now more than ever, it's important to remind people that their safety – and the safety of those around them – has to come first. Our 'Don't Catch and Drive' safe driving message encourages people to be smart while playing games and not catch creatures when they're driving."

The new online video created by Leo Burnett Chicago features animated creatures alongside examples of the real damage they could cause to a car, such as a dented door from a Dingduck or a fender bender from a mysterious Fenderbendix. The video captures the brand's smart driving message concluding with "Smart people don't catch and drive. Smart people get Esurance."

Download images of all the characters: http://goo.gl/aSFUkv

As augmented reality gaming gains in popularity, among other smartphone uses, the risk of injury has risen as well. According to the US Department of Transportation1, 431,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2014. That's nearly one injury every minute of every day due to distracted driving. And a shocking 25 percent of accidents involve smartphones according to the National Safety Council2.

In addition to the online video, Esurance will crash Pioneer Court on Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave on August 31 with a staged accident scene featuring the Esurance creatures. Passersby will witness the jarring scene, but as they get closer learn that the crash is staged with a powerful message, #DontCatchandDrive.

The online video launches in conjunction with the staged crash scene in Chicago. Watch the video at www.esurance.com/dont-catch-and-drive and share using #DontCatchandDrive.

To encourage and reward safe driving, Esurance created DriveSense,* a mobile application using smart telematics technology that could help users improve their driving through education on their driving habits. Esurance also offers a variety of discounts for safe drivers including the Claim-Free and Defensive Driver discounts.*

*DriveSense mobile is currently available to Esurance policyholders in Colorado and Utah, and will roll out to additional states this year. Discounts are not available in all states and are subject to terms and eligibility.

About Esurance®Esurance, insurance for the modern world®, provides auto, homeowners, motorcycle, and renters insurance direct to consumers online and over the phone. With an easy-to-use mobile app, helpful online tools like photo claims and Coverage Counselor®, and knowledgeable experts available around the clock, Esurance is the smart choice for today's web-savvy consumer. And as a member of the Allstate family with an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Esurance offers auto and home insurance anytime with service just a click, call, or tap away. For more information, visit esurance.com or call 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).

Follow Esurance on the Esurance Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Media Contact:Dolleen CrossPublic Relations at Esurance[email protected]415-875-4722

1 Distraction.gov - http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html 2 National Safety Council - https://blog.gasbuddy.com/posts/National-Safety-Council-25-of-all-crashes-in-U-S-involve-cell-phone-usage/1715-622422-3232.aspx *Official citation to come

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/EsuranceMobileGamingVideoFINAL.mp4

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SOURCE Esurance