Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions facing teens today. According to a recent Allstate Foundation study, 82 percent of driving teens claim to use cell phones while driving, and 49 percent admit to being extremely distracted by texting and instant messaging while driving. Recent research conducted by Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute reveals that texting while driving can increase the risk of an accident by 23 times.

The study also shows parents can have a profound effect on their teen’s driving behavior. 81 percent of teens admit their parents have the most influence on how they drive, and 79 percent say they are most likely to take driving safety advice from their parents.

Allstate is partnering with singer Jordin Sparks and her mom, Jodi Sparks, to help us X the TXT. Beginning with a national kickoff on November 17, the campaign tour will include live pledge events in 30 cities from November through January, with a “Top the Tally” competition to see which city can gather the most thumb pledges. Other components of the campaign include:

Teens who take the pledge will receive thumb bands they can wear as a reminder and symbol of their pledge.
Reaching out to the public to encourage them to join our Facebook cause page and make a virtual pledge not to text and drive.
Allstate donating $1 (up to $25,000) to the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) for every Facebook pledge supporter of Facebook.com/thumbsuppledge.

Thanks

Jack Colbourne http://www.kiefer-colbourneins.com

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