Itasca, IL – This Groundhog Day, the National Safety Council and Rain-X® are teaming up to launch the Seemore Safety Campaign; featuring a six-foot tall campaign mascot, Seemore the Safety Groundhog. The campaign will raise awareness of the importance of driving visibility, especially in hazardous weather conditions and will remind motorists to change their wiper blades, at least once a year.
“At no other time of the year is the nation more focused on the weather than on Groundhog Day,” said Ame Cameron, Brand Manager, Rain-X. “By this time, six long weeks of winter have taken their toll on our cars, and that includes our wiper blades. With another six weeks of challenging weather ahead, Seemore serves as a reminder that now is a good time to replace worn wiper blades to ensure safe driving for the duration of the season.”
According to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, adverse environmental conditions – including lighting, road surface and atmospheric conditions – contribute to more than 70% of all single vehicle crashes.
“Linking Groundhog Day with a mid-winter reminder to change wiper blades provides an excellent opportunity to remind motorists to change their driving behaviors along with changes in the weather,” said John Ulczycki, NSC's Director of Transportation Safety. “Reducing speed, turning on headlights and keeping the windshield clean and clear can help ensure winter motorists reach their destinations safely. At this time of year, especially, rapidly changing road surface and traffic conditions make properly functioning windshield wipers critical to driver visibility.”
“While people tend to consider their wiper blades as a service replacement item, in reality it’s a safety-critical item and impaired performance can lead to a hazardous reduction in visibility,” said Ame Cameron of Rain-X. “We hope that Seemore’s message will encourage drivers to replace their wipers at least once a year and that the campaign will help make the roads safer for all motorists.”
Seemore the Safety Groundhog, sporting a bright yellow rain coat and galoshes, will launch the 1 Million Change Challenge encouraging people to replace their wiper blades on his favorite holiday – February 2nd, Groundhog Day.
For additional information on automotive safety or wiper blades please visit NSC at nsc.org and Rain-X at www.rainx.com.
Rain-X brand is best known for the Rain-X Original Glass Treatment product, Rain-X also offers premium quality wiper blades designed to provide a smooth, clean, steak-free wipe, preparing the driver for wet weather.
The National Safety Council (nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.