NASCAR driver Jeff Burton to speak at West High School about driving while distracted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2008

Nationwide Contact:
Lisa Cox
336-682-8488
coxl15@nationwide.com

Eric Hardgrove
614-677-8516
hardgre@nationwide.com   

Columbus, OH — Ohio—With too much to do and too little time, motorists are increasingly taking this “get it all done” attitude to the roads and committing DWD – Driving While Distracted. The problem is especially bad for young drivers trying to keep up with their intricate social networks.

According to a Nationwide Insurance survey on DWD, nearly 40 percent of teens and young adults send and receive text messages while driving – and the same percentage were hit or almost hit by someone using their cell phone while driving.

Nationwide Insurance has teamed up with NASCAR and Columbus City Schools to raise awareness in Columbus about the dangers of driving while distracted and what drivers can do to stay safe on the road.

What:      NASCAR driver Jeff Burton speaks at West High School about the dangers of driving while distracted
When:     Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Where:    West High School
              179 S. Powell Avenue

Visuals include a NASCAR simulator that will allow teens to see first hand the dangers of texting behind the wheel. NASCAR driver Jeff Burton will be available to the media for interviews and photography.

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