Safe Driving Has Its Rewards
Bethpage High School Students Pledge Not to Text and Drive,
Earning $1,000 Allstate Grant

A total of 875 Bethpage High School students have promised to help keep the roads safe, participating in Allstate Insurance Company’s ‘X the Text’ thumb pledge program. As a result of the enthusiastic response from students, Allstate presented the High School with a $1,000 grant to support safe driving programs for teens.

Nearly 5,000 American teens are killed in car crashes annually, and the primary cause of fatal teen crashes is driver error (77%) and distractions. A recent Allstate Foundation study revealed that 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. Allstate Insurance introduced the ‘X the Text’ program as an effort to help save teen lives, bringing this traveling campaign to schools across the country. Bethpage High School accepted the invitation to take part as the only Nassau school involved, while Babylon High School hosted the event in Suffolk.

Allstate Insurance representatives and other safe driving supporters visited Bethpage High School on December 10th, where they collaborated with Principal Mr. Michael Spence and Assistant Principal Mr. Kevin Healy in presenting brief assemblies for each grade level that highlighted the importance of driving laws.

John Mannara of Allstate’s Bethpage location and Michael Barry of the Insurance Information Institute were among the facilitators. Steven Ettannani, a representative from Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy’s office, was also present to encourage safe driving steps, referencing the Alert Drivers Act. As an additional component of each assembly, a video was shared demonstrating the destructive impact of texting while driving.

“With today’s technology access comes new responsibilities,” Mr. Healy explained to students. “You are the future drivers of this nation, and it is important that you pay attention after you leave today. Make sure you follow through on your pledge – we ask you to take it very seriously.” Mr. Healy coordinates the High School’s safe driving program which the grant will help fund.

As the final step to the program, students lined up to stamp their thumbprints on a banner provided by Allstate, signifying their pledges to refrain from texting while driving. Staff members participated as well, to set positive examples and accept the responsibility to drive carefully.

Photos: Karina Stabile, Syntax