Allstate and Jordin Sparks Team Up to Bring Pledge Against Texting and Driving to Jordin Sparks Experience
"X the TXT" Event Showcased at Singing Sensation's 3rd Annual Charity Gala in Miami
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Jan. 27, 2010 NORTHBROOK, Ill. and GLENDALE, Ariz. -
In November, twenty-yearold singing sensation Jordin Sparks and her mom, Jodi Sparks, publicly pledged not to text and drive by leaving their mark - in this case, their thumbprints, on a pledge banner that traveled the country this past holiday season. Since that time, more than 65,000 people have taken the pledge.
The next stop on the pledge tour? The celeb-packed Jordin Sparks Experience - an annual charity gala for Sparks Charities being hosted in conjunction with the 2010 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl in Miami.
"I am really passionate about this issue and am so thrilled to have an 'X the TXT' event at the Experience," said Sparks. "The event is focused on encouraging people to make a difference in their communities and families. By pledging not to text and drive we can save thousands of lives - choosing to not pick up the phone and keeping your eyes on the road can be the difference between life and death."
During the event, celebrity guests including professional athletes and entertainers (including David Archuleta, Jason Derulo Larry Fitzgerald, Albert Haynesworth and Marcus Spears), teens and their families will be asked to add their thumbprints to a banner as a public pledge not to text and drive. Those who sign the pledge will receive thumb bands they can wear as a reminder and symbol of their pledge. Jordin and Jodi have proudly worn their bands since making the pledge in November.
"Everyone is susceptible to distractions behind the wheel. Our kids learn about what is acceptable driving behavior from us and as parents it's important that we lead by example and make this a family issue. The band is a great reminder of the promise I have made to my kids," added Jodi Sparks, president of MAD, Girls Inc.
Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions facing teens today. According to a recent Allstate Foundation study, 82% of driving teens claim to use cell phones while driving, and 49% 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 increases the risk of an accident 23 times.
"Allstate has put a stake in the ground to help cut teen fatalities in half by 2015. X the TXT is a great way to fuel the social movement necessary to get it done," said Sari Macrie, vice president of corporate relations. "Taking the pledge not to text and drive is a simple act with tremendous impact. It helps ensure those we love come home safely every day."
The X the TXT even will run from 9 am - 9 pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, during the "Cars, Stars and Cigars" event at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach.
X the TXT is Allstate's national campaign aimed at minimizing one of the most dangerous driver distractions facing teens today - texting. The tour is challenging teens and parents to pledge not to text and driver by making a thumb print pledge on a giant banner like this one that is making it's way across the country. The thumb print is a symbol and reminder of the pledge. For more information about the event, visit www.jordinsparksexperience.com. For more information on the "X the TXT' pledge program, visit www.facebook.com/thumbsuppledge
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.
Contact:
Kate Hollcraft
(847) 402-5600
