Allstate and Celebrity Friends 'DSGN8 TXTRs' for the Holidays

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate kicks off their 10-city "X the TXT: DSGN8 Before You Drive" tour aimed at registering more than 25,000 DSGN8D TXTRs at live events and on Facebook (facebook.com/XtheTXT) this holiday season – one of the deadliest times of the year for teens on the road.

Allstate's X the TXT movement launched one year ago to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and save lives. To date, more than 125,000 people have pledged not to text and drive. Building on the success of that movement, X the TXT: DSGN8 Before You Drive, introduces a new step in drivers' habits by urging Americans to hand their phone to their DSGN8D TXTR before they get behind the wheel. Kevin Jonas will kick off the tour by designating best bud and security guard Big Rob as his in-car DSGN8D TXTR.

"Everyone is busy during the holidays and we all depend on our phones to keep in touch while on the go," said Jonas. "Sending a text isn't worth risking your life or the lives of others. Having a DSGN8D TXTR to text on your behalf lets you focus on driving. In return, we can protect our friends and family by offering to take their phone when they drive."

Teens and their families and friends can join the campaign by attending a tour event where they can take the pledge not to text and drive, customize a free cell phone grip with their DSGN8D TXTR's name, and have their photo taken with their DSGN8D TXTR, to be included in a national photo mosaic and online.

Those who can't attend an event can join their favorite celebrities by registering their DSGN8D TXTR online and uploading photos at facebook.com/XtheTXT. Participants can check out other DSGN8D TXTRs in their area and track the progress of registering 25,000 DSGN8D TXTRs across the country.

"Especially during the holiday season, we want to stay in touch with those we love, and Allstate wants to make sure that all of us do so safely. Choosing a loved one to serve as your DSGN8D TXTR while you're driving is one way to do so," said Joan Walker, senior vice president of corporate relations at Allstate. "Allstate continues to advocate for responsible personal behaviors, such as not texting while driving, as well as for stronger distracted driving and graduated driver licensing laws, like the STANDUP Act, to help make our roads safer for everyone."

Grammy Award®-nominee and Broadway star Jordin Sparks, actress Meaghan Martin (Camp Rock, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, 10 Things I Hate About You), pop rock band Honor Society, R&B singer Mateo and Big Rob – along with their DSGN8D TXTRs – have joined Jonas in supporting the effort by registering online. They will also make appearances in select markets during the national tour.  

The holiday campaign also includes a sweepstakes sponsored by Allstate, in which people can enter to win VIP tickets and an expense-paid trip to the Jordin Sparks Experience in 2011.  

To appoint your DSGN8D TXTR, or for more information about the 10-city tour, visit facebook.com/XtheTXT.

About Allstate

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 (auto, home, life and retirement) 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®.

SOURCE Allstate