Thumb Bands and a Video Contest - The New Way To Advocate

LANSING, Mich., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Auto-Owners Insurance advocates the fight against texting while driving by using the latest trend in fashion: thumb bands. The company has donated thousands of "W82TXT" thumb bands to its local independent agencies in the 26 states in which Auto-Owners Insurance operates. These bands will be given to local high school students during presentations supporting the cause.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110622/DE24468 )

A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute states that texting while driving increases the risk of accident 23.2 times over unimpaired driving. In the moments before an accident, drivers usually spend five seconds looking at their phone which is enough time to cover more than the length of a football field going normal highway speeds.

Since this remains a prevalent and completely preventable issue, students are encouraged to participate by wearing their bands in support of the cause.

"We feel this is part of our corporate responsibility," says Katie Noirot, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales. "Our independent agents also take on that responsibility and want to help their communities whenever possible. Hopefully, the next time someone goes to text, they will think twice."

In addition to the thumb bands, students and young professionals ages 18-24 are encouraged to participate in a nationwide contest by recording a public service announcement for the W82TXT campaign. Details regarding the contest can be found on the Auto-Owners Insurance Facebook page. The winning entrant(s) will receive an iPad and a chance for their video to be featured in the company's national campaign.

Auto-Owners Insurance, a Fortune 500 company, currently holds the status of being one of the nation's largest insurers. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Auto-Owners Insurance employs more than 3,500 associates. The company is comprised of five property and casualty companies and the Life Company, and writes business in 26 states through local independent agents.

If you would like more information on how to enter the W82TXT video contest, email [email protected] or go to www.facebook.com/AutoOwnersInsurance

SOURCE Auto-Owners Insurance