TUCSON, Ariz. -- As lawmakers in Arizona decide whether to pass a bill that would tackle distracted driving, an insurance agency in Tucson is hoping to teach preschoolers the dangers and how to be "backseat police officers."
Tucson Allstate Agency Owner Rhiannon Ward will teach kids between 3 and 5-years-old about the dangers of texting and driving when behind the wheel at an event on Wednesday called "X the TXT."
“As an Allstate agency owner, safe driving is my priority, but even I occasionally need a reminder. After my 5-year-old daughter went through the distracted driving training, she yells at me if I have the audacity to touch my GPS at a stoplight,” Ward said. “Surprisingly, this young age group takes the information I give them very seriously.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,450 people were killed in 2016 as a result of distracted driving.
Since the launch of "X the TXT," Allstate Agency says more than two million people have made the pledge to help start a conversation and encourage safer, focused driving.
“I see distracted driving every day,” Ward said. “It’s constantly happening and the startling statistics about it are motivate me to teach kids how they can be a part of the solution.”
Ward will hold an "X the TXT" event on Wednesday, March 27th at the Kellner Learning Center at 11 a.m. where children and parents can learn and take the pledge. The preschoolers will also learn how to keep their parents, siblings and bus drivers in check when behind the wheel.
