Allstate and Jordin Sparks 'Tackle' Texting While Driving

DALLAS, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate and Jordin Sparks are bringing the "X the TXT: DSGN8 Before You Drive" movement to the Jordin Sparks Experience, an annual gala for Sparks Charities held just before The Big Game. The "DSGN8 Before You Drive" message urges Americans to hand their cell phone to their DSGN8D TXTR – the person they chose to text on their behalf before they get behind the wheel so they can stay safe and stay in touch on the road.

"The Experience is about doing the right thing for your community; that's why it's important to share the designated texter message with my friends and fans to help make our roads safer," said Sparks. "Keeping yourself, friends, family and other drivers safe by not texting and driving is a life-changing way of showing that you care."

Driver distraction contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and teens report texting as the number one distraction behind the wheel. Allstate continues to lead advocacy efforts for texting bans and graduated driver licensing laws, like those included in STANDUP Act, to help make our roads safer for everyone. As part of the advocacy effort, the X the TXT movement raises awareness about the dangers of texting while driving.

"Tweens, teens and parents across the country are growing the X the TXT movement online and at events like the Jordin Sparks Experience," said Joan Walker, senior vice president of corporate relations, Allstate. "Strong legislation like the STANDUP Act, combined with consistent enforcement as well as education about responsible driving habits such as designating a texter will lead to new safe driving habits and can save lives."

Attendees of Sparks Feb. 2 charity event can join celebrities like Michael Strahan, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason DeRulo, DJ Babey Drew and Honor Society, as they take the pledge not to text and drive by placing their thumbprint on a banner and appointing their DSGN8D TXTR. Participants can snap pictures in a photo booth and view them later at facebook.com/XtheTXT. So far, more than 125,000 people have taken Allstate's pledge not to text and drive, and thousands have appointed a DSGN8D TXTR at in-person events and online at facebook.com/XtheTXT.

The "X the TXT: DSGN8 Before You Drive" event takes place from 11 am - 7 pm on Wed., Feb., 2, at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. For more information or to register your DSGN8D TXTR visit www.facebook.com/XtheTXT.

For more information about the STANDUP Act, visit facebook.com/SAVE11.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE for download at Allstate's Digital Newsroom.

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 The Allstate Corporation