Toyota Ireland's 'Face It Down' smartphone app has hit the major milestone of recording some 30 million kilometres. The app is designed to remind drivers to leave their mobile phones stashed safely away when driving, and offers reward points to those who leave their phones screen-down, the longest. That 30 million kilometre mark is equal to 748 laps around the Earth, or travelling to the Moon and back 37 times.
Extra points for Christmas
In the run-up to Christmas, always a worrying time from a road-safety perspective, Toyota is going to offer double points for all journeys taken between now and the 21st of December. A new special offer for the festive period comes from Q-Park, which is offering €3 off parking charges for the first 500 new customers to download the app. Other rewards include free hot beverages in Circle K and cheaper FBD car insurance.
Most of us check our phones while driving
Recent nationwide research carried out by iReach on behalf of Toyota Ireland exposed the startling revelation that 59 per cent of Irish motorists have looked at their phones while driving within the last 12 months, with 42 per cent admitting they have done so within the last two months. The survey of 1,000 Irish drivers also revealed that over half of all adults (52 per cent) check their phone in the car after hearing an alert, with 26 per cent checking when stopped at traffic lights, 21 per cent taking a quick glance while driving when they feel it's safe to do so, and five per cent checking immediately.
Proud and encouraged
Commenting on the milestone, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland said: "Toyota's FaceItDown initiative is a prime example of our brand promise 'Built for a Better World' in action, making a tangible difference to all Irish families. Toyota Ireland is very proud and encouraged to reach 30 million kilometres today and remains focused on making driving on Irish roads safer. This focus is for all drivers. As Irish motorists make important trips in the lead up to Christmas, we are appealing to all drivers to make the app part of their daily driving routine."
Toyota's brand ambassador Niall 'Bressie' Breslin commented: "I am delighted to continue working with Toyota on the FaceItDown app, which has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2017. The research statistics clearly show that people think it's OK to use their phones when driving. We want to encourage every driver in Ireland to download the free app and use it on every journey they take as a simple, but fundamental action towards making our roads safer for all."