X the Txt® during LAX high school finals

An impaired/distracted driving program from UNITE will bring together a high-tech simulator, impact video and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving and impaired driving. The simulator allows students to experience, in a controlled environment, the potential consequences of distracted or impaired driving. Allstate will also bring the X the Txt® anti-distracted driving campaign to the event.

The simulator will be available from 3 to 9 p.m. May 22 at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Stadium, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore. 

Alarming statistics:

• Summer is the deadliest time of year for teen drivers and their passengers with 7 of the top 10 deadliest days of the year occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day

• An average of 422 teens die in traffic crashes during each of the deadly summer months as compared to a monthly average of 363 teen deaths during the non-summer months.
• 2,417 people in Maryland have been killed in teen-related motor vehicle crashes since 1991. 
• 1 of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cell phone use
• About 89 percent of all Americans have a cell phone
• Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. Not surprisingly, they text more than any other age group and the numbers of young drivers who text is only increasing.

MPSSAA game times for the 2012 State Lacrosse Finals presented by PNC will be 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 22 and May 23. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.mpssaa.org.

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses across the nation. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and distracted driving. Their follow-up programs have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.  www.dwiprevention.org