Press Release
Teens pledge not to text and drive as part of national distracted driving movement
PRICE, Utah, –– On Feb. 22, students from Carbon High School in Price took a pledge to put their cell phones down and focus on the road as part of Allstate’s national “X the TXT” campaign. The Allstate Foundation partnered with Health World and the Utah Highway Patrol to urge students to stay distraction-free behind the wheel and raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving.
Allstate Agency Owner Dawn Manzanares, Trooper Bradley Shaw and Trooper Jason Cosby discussed those dangers while participants added their thumbprints to a banner, symbolizing their promise not to text and drive.
“Carbon High School students pledging not to text and drive is a simple act that can make a significant difference,” Manzanares said. “That thumbprint symbolizes more than a promise: It’s peace of mind for parents and safer roads for all drivers. No text is worth risking a life.”
Research indicates that texting while driving takes teens’ eyes off of the road for an average of five seconds – enough time to drive the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour blind.* On average, eight teens die in a car crash each day.
“It is important to ensure that teens know the dangers of distracted driving, and our partnership with Allstate gives us the tools to promote this education,” said Health World Executive Director Peter Rusin. “Bringing X the TXT to Carbon High School in Price was fulfilling and impactful.”
Distracted Driving Statistics:
Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions facing teen drivers today. According to recent research by The Allstate Foundation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- 75 percent of teens admit they find themselves reading and responding to texts behind the wheel, yet more than 40 percent still admit to texting and driving.
- 49 percent of teens admit to being extremely distracted by texting while driving.
- 82 percent of teens say they use their cell phones behind the wheel.
- 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes are from distracted driving.
Four out of five teens said their parents would be the best influence in getting them to drive more safely. As a way to get started, The Allstate Foundation and Allstate have created the Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. It can help parents outline their teen’s driving responsibilities and define the parent’s role in helping their teen succeed.
About X the TXT:
Since its launch, more than two million people have made the pledge and X the TXT events have taken place across the country. Upon pledging, participants receive thumb bands with the words TXTNG KLLS to wear as a daily reminder of their commitment. Pledge Cards are passed out to everyone who makes the pledge to help get a conversation started at home and encourage families to commit to safer, focused driving.
To make the pledge not to text and drive, or for more information on the X the TXT pledge program, visit www.facebook.com/xthetxt.
About Health World:
Health World is a not-for-profit children’s health and safety education provider. Health World offers children the opportunity to learn more about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle through electronic e-learning programming. Health World provides a creative learning experience that supplements the health and safety education efforts of schools and youth organizations.
About Allstate:
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its 85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities.