Allstate Foundation Safe Driving “X The TXT”

I was recently watching a news story about the dangers of teen drivers and the amount of text messaging they do while on the road.  We are in an age where technology isn’t the same and it’s hard to find people that don’t own a cell phone.  I can remember being a teenager (wow that makes me feel old) and having the constant contact with friends.  Today it is even easier than going to hang out, you just pick up your cell phone and test away.

Texting behind the wheel of a car is getting more popular amongst teens and that is scary.  Not only are they new and very inexperienced drivers but it is compounded by even more lack of attention when you throw a cell phone in the mix.  I don’t know about you, but as a teenager I was easily distracted by things.

According to The Allstate Foundation, two thirds of teens admit to texting and instant messaging while behind the wheel! Yet nearly 81% of teens rate parents as their number one driving influencers.  Recent research by Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute reveals that texting while driving can increase the risk of an accident by 23 times.  That is a pretty big percentage jump and not a risk I would want my child taking.

Allstate’s “X the TXT: Thumbs Up to the Safest Holiday Ever” campaign challenges teens and parents alike to make the pledge not to text and drive. By joining the cause at www.causes.com/thumbsup, you’re pledging to put your cell phone down behind the wheel. For each person who takes the pledge, Allstate will donate $1 to the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) – a collaborative network of national organizations and federal agencies that serve youth and focus on youth safety and health – for safe teen driving programs.

As part of the campaign, a 30-city “X the TXT” tour kicks off this holiday season during which teens and their families can add their thumbprints to a pledge banner as a public commitment not to text and drive.

I cannot think of a better way to teach your teen safe driving and help give funding to organizations to help educate our children of the potential dangers of getting behind the wheel.  You want to give them their freedom, but you also want them to be educated, cautious and responsible drivers.  It is so easy to give in but a labor of love to be vigilant with your kids.  Allstate can help give you and your teenagers a good start behind the wheel.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of The Allstate Foundation. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”