WASHINGTON, April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Today, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood joined singing sensation Jordin Sparks, Congressional leaders and Allstate senior executives to urge Americans to take a pledge not to text and drive.

“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic, and we need to work together to stop thousands of unnecessary injuries and deaths every year,” said Secretary LaHood. “I applaud the efforts of Allstate to encourage Americans to take personal responsibility and help put an end to this dangerous behavior.”