No Text Message is Worth a Life

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced the newest addition to the Department of Transportation's "Faces of Distracted Driving" web video series at www.distraction.gov/faces. Loren Vaillancourt, who has been speaking out against distracted driving throughout her reign as Miss South Dakota, contributed her personal and moving story about the loss of her brother to a distracted driver.  

Since taking the crown, Loren has been busy traveling the state of South Dakota speaking with schools, parent groups and civic organizations about the risks and consequences of distracted driving. State Farm has partnered with Loren, contributing financial support to her effort and establishing a school grant program in her honor.  

"I applaud Loren for the work she is doing as Miss South Dakota and in conjunction with State Farm to raise awareness about the deadly cost of distracted driving," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "I hope that everyone who hears Loren speak about the tragic loss of her brother, Kelson, will remember to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel."

"I am so honored that Kelson's story will be a part of the 'Faces of Distracted Driving' series," said Vaillancourt. "State Farm helped me share his story all across South Dakota, and now all of America can hear my family's story about the needless consequences of distracted driving."

"State Farm is proud to partner with Loren to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in South Dakota," said Terry Barton, Vice President for South Dakota for State Farm. "We appreciate Loren's commitment to educating the public and saving lives by courageously sharing her personal experience."

Learn more about Loren's work and the grant program "Driving the Dollars" at www.statefarm.com/southdakota.

About State Farm®

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 66,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®. 

SOURCE State Farm

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED