Texting or talking on cell phones and other mobile devices has become a major national concern. According to recent Nationwide survey data, over 50 percent of respondents say they see more drivers using cell phones while driving then they did 12 months ago. In addition, according to the federal government, at any given time on our highways 11 percent of all drivers, or two million people, are talking on their cell phones. Calling it one of his highest priorities, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will lead a two-day presidential summit in Washington beginning Wednesday, September 30. National experts will testify and discuss whether there needs to be federal regulation. Among those experts is Nationwide's Bill Windsor. At present, 15 states have passed laws that either require the use of a hands-free device or ban the use of cell phones or other mobile devices while driving entirely. Bill Windsor will be an active participant in the upcoming Presidential Summit and is available to discuss the focus and potential outcomes of the summit as well as the need for national regulation, education and the importance of technology. In addition, Bill can speak to a survey recently released by Nationwide Insurance that shows that eight out of ten Americans support some type ban on cell phone use while driving. WHO: Bill Windsor, Associate Vice President of Safety for Nationwide Bill is an advocate for safety initiatives that help Americans prevent losses and protect what matters to them most including key issues such as drunk driving, underage drinking, teen driving, building codes and distracted driving. Bill works with a variety of safety organizations including the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Lifesavers, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Highway Safety Coalition, Governor's Highway Safety Association, and sits on the Board for the following organizations: MADD, Institute for Business and Home Safety, National Safety Council, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. Bill is available to discuss the following: The focus of the presidential summit and what actions might come out of it What the proposed federal legislation will impose The greater dangers driving while distracted (DWD) presents than previously thought Nationwide's survey results and change in public perception as DWD becomes more prevalent Technologies being developed to prevent DWD TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT Natalie Ignatovicz Charley Gillespie Fleishman-Hillard for Nationwide Nationwide Insurance 212-453-2449 614-249-5701 (work) natalie.ignatovicz@fleishman.com 614-623-9673 (cell) GILLESC1@nationwide.com About Nationwide Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Keywords: Nationwide, Public Policy and Government, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, Public Policy, State and Local, , Annuities, Building Code, Federal Government, Finance, Financial, Financial Services, Government, Homeowners, Insurance, Investing, Investment, Mutual Funds, Politics, Real Estate, Technology, Traffic Safety. This article was prepared by Insurance Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Insurance Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.