NEWS X/X/10

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Local Allstate Agency Owner Urges <INSERT CITY> to X the TXT

Residents pledge not to text and drive as part of national distracted driving movement

CITY, State, (Month XX, 2010) – <INSERT CITY> residents took a pledge to put their cell phone down and focus on the road, as part of Allstate’s national “X the TXT” campaign this week. Allstate agency owner <INSERT NAME> of <INSERT CITY>, talked about the dangers of texting while driving as participants added their thumbprints to an oversized pledge banner as symbols of their promises not to text and drive.

“Everyone is susceptible to distractions behind the wheel,” said <INSERT AGENCY OWNER NAME>. “Pledging not to text and drive is a simple act that can help ensure those we love come home safely. No text isn’t worth risking a life.”

Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions facing drivers today, particularly teens. According to a recent Allstate Foundation study, and 49 percent of teens admit to being extremely distracted by texting and instant messaging while driving, however 82 percent of teens still say they use their cell phone behind the wheel. And, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports driver distraction contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes.

Allstate’s “X the TXT” is a national campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and encourage teens and their families to pledge not to text and drive. The movement began last November with a 30-city national tour of live pledge events, a Facebook virtual pledge page, and a petition urging Congress to address the issue of texting while driving. The campaign is part of Allstate’s broader efforts to make our roads safer, especially for young drivers.

Since its launch, more than 125,000 people have made the pledge and X the TXT pledge events have taken place all over the country. Upon pledging, participants receive thumb bands with the words TXTNG KLLS to wear as a daily reminder of their commitment. Family 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.

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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.

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®.

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