Star Thermoplastics Takes Lead in National Distracted Driving Campaign
Star Thermoplastic Alloys Rubbers, Inc. (Star), has taken a series of positive steps to support and complement a major National Distracted Driving Campaign sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In doing so, this major worldwide player in the $20 billion soft plastic thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) industry arguably is among the first in their industry to do so.
Specifically, Star has done several things:
• Officially informed employees that they will not text, email or talk while holding hand-held cell phone when in a company vehicle or in a personal vehicle with a company-issued phone.
• Urged employees through official company letters and emails to put their cell phones down and focus on the road.
• Offered their sales force across North America and eligible employees whose vehicles do not have Bluetooth/hands-free or have use of company cell phone, devices to enable them, when necessary, to make and receive hands-free calls on their cell phones.
“As we continue to grow, employee safety remains a top priority” notes Star Chief Operating Officer, Randall Fortin. “We decided to participate in the special initiative by the NHTSA to create a greater awareness of the dangers of hands-on cell phone usage and texting in automobiles by employees here in the Chicago area and across the Continent. We have taken on this program as responsible members of the community and encourage other employers to do so as well.”
Star officials cite the frightening statics from national sources where texting, emailing or talking on a hand-held cell phone are increasingly major contributors to accidents, injuries and death:
• In 2013, more than 3,300 people were killed.
• More than 400,000 drivers and/or passengers were injured in 1.6 million crashes.
• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 23 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves (source: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration).
• Official statistics show that at any given moment during daylight hours, more than 600,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held phone.
More information about the national programs and this epidemic of distracted driving can be found at www.distraction.gov or www.nsc.org. The campaign was launched in April.
Star is one of the 5 leading major North American compounders and suppliers of soft plastics known as thermoplastic elastomers, often referred to as TPEs. The industry worldwide reports sales in excess of $20 billion with an annual growth rate of more than 8%. TPEs are used in thousands of applications where soft, colorful and durable plastic materials are wanted or required. These include automobiles (wiring, knobs, car mats, bezels, moldings, seals, other), appliances (seals, grips, gaskets), sporting goods (grips), power tools, electrical and electronic products, protective housings for cell phones and tablets, personal care products, pet toys, children’s toys, kitchen utensils, and numerous food contact products.
For more information on the campaign or company products or services, Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc., 2121 West 21st Street, Broadview, IL 60155. Tel: 708-343-1100. Fax: 708-343-1110. Web: www.starthermoplastics.com. Email: sales@starthermoplastics.com.
