The Allstate Foundation Funds National Safety Council Efforts to Activate Teen Safe Driving Coalitions in 10 States

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Nov 30, 2010, 09:35 ET

New state coalitions aim to make roadways safer and save young lives

ITASCA, Ill., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Funding from The Allstate Foundation Teen Safe Driving Program will help the National Safety Council create 10 state coalitions focused on reducing motor vehicle deaths involving teen drivers. In 2009, about 3,500 teens died in car crashes and thousands more were injured. Each state coalition will bring together a broad base of leaders to change teen driving attitudes and behaviors.

"While our roads have never been safer, car crashes remain the No. 1 killer of all people from 1 to 34 years old, with teens crashing four times more often than any other age group. We must act now to create new social norms behind the wheel starting first with our youngest drivers," said Joan H. Walker, senior vice president, Allstate Insurance Co. "With its long legacy of building safety coalitions, NSC is the ideal organization to lead new state efforts to change the teen driving culture."

Coalitions will be established in California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

Coalition participants will include state and local law enforcement officials, public health practitioners, members of the medical community, injury prevention groups, teen and parent leaders, and family members and friends of teen crash victims. Members will examine teen driving crash data and educate the public through a variety of channels.

"Funding from The Allstate Foundation allows NSC to develop a coordinated strategy for building effective state coalitions," said Janet Froetscher, NSC president and CEO. "The coalitions will mobilize state leaders to find unique solutions to the teen driving issue and save young lives for generations to come."

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

About The Allstate Foundation

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation strives to make our communities and our nation a better and safer place to live through partnerships with nonprofit organizations promoting "safe and vital communities," "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity" and "economic empowerment." Teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors have been priority issues for the Foundation since 2005. For more information, visit www.allstate.com/foundation.

SOURCE National Safety Council