Allstate Applauds Important Legislative Step to Help Make Roads Safer for Teen Drivers

NORTHBROOK, IL--July 29, 2011 -- Allstate Insurance Company issued the following statement in support of graduated driver licensing provisions in the NHTSA reauthorization. Major provisions of the STANDUP Act (S.528) are in the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011 (MVHSIA) or Mariah's Law, named after an Arkansas teen killed in a crash involving texting.

"The Senate Commerce committee took an important step forward today in ending an epidemic that claims nearly 4,000 teen lives every year.

"Thanks to the advocacy and hard work of Senators Gillibrand, Klobuchar and others, this legislation includes key provisions of the STANDUP (Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection) Act that will ensure our teens have the proper training and experience they need to safely handle the responsibilities of driving.  We know these provisions save lives, because we have seen the rate of teen driving fatalities dramatically drop in states that have adopted similar laws.

"Through the Allstate Save 11 campaign more than 95,000 Americans have added their voices to the growing number of citizens urging Congress to work together to save lives.

"Once passed, this bill will bring relief to parents all across the country, who will be able to rest easier knowing their sons and daughters are safer behind the wheel."