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Nationwide and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Unite for Teen Driving Safety

As January marks Teen Driving Awareness Month, Nationwide has launched a notable campaign aimed at reducing distracted driving, particularly among teenagers. Partnering with renowned NASCAR driver and Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., they are spreading a crucial message: teens should put their phones down while driving.

The issue of distracted driving is a leading concern for many parents. A recent survey conducted by Nationwide revealed that only 40% of parents rate their teen's driving abilities as 'very good' or 'excellent.' More alarmingly, distracted driving is a major worry for 42% of these parents. It’s in this context that Earnhardt Jr. emphasizes the importance of leading by example when it comes to safe driving habits. He states, "As a parent, I know how important it is to set the right example behind the wheel. This partnership with Nationwide is about giving families practical tools to build safer habits and rewarding them for doing the right thing."

The campaign features a heartwarming multimedia presentation filmed at a specialized driving course located near Charlotte, North Carolina, part of the national proactive teen driver safety initiative called B.R.A.K.E.S. Throughout the campaign, parent-teen pairs receive hands-on training from professional instructors, teaching them safe driving techniques. Earnhardt Jr. provides motivation and context for the lessons as the family engages with Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards® program.

The Focused Driving Rewards® initiative serves to encourage distraction-free driving by allowing participants to earn points for every mile driven without phone handling. These points can later be redeemed for gift cards, providing a tangible benefit for safe driving. Chris Lee, Nationwide's VP of Personal Lines Auto, expressed the significance of this program: "Every mile matters when it comes to teen safety. Partnering with Dale Jr. helps us amplify a simple but powerful message: put the phone down when you're behind the wheel."

Statistics lend credence to the effectiveness of their efforts. A staggering 82% of parents reported that they would enroll their teen in a program that rewards safe driving and nearly half (44%) prioritize improved driving habits and safety as primary concerns.

Program Features

1. User-Friendly App: Users can track their progress and accumulate points through the Nationwide app, redeemable for gift cards when they maintain distraction-free driving over time.
2. Accessibility for All: No existing Nationwide policy is required, so any driver can join the program. Participants can earn up to $60 in gift cards every six months for safe driving.
3. Effective Results: Since the program’s initiation across over 40 states in 2025, 38% of participants have notably lessened their phone distractions, averaging a 39% reduction.
4. Focus on Simplicity: The program solely tracks phone handling events—tapping, hand-held calls, or phone movements—making it comprehensible and easy to improve upon.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. adds, "Driving is a big milestone for teens, and it's natural for parents to feel a little anxious. With the right tools and open conversations, families can ease some of that worry and help teens build confidence behind the wheel. Every trip becomes a chance to practice and reinforce safe driving habits."

Parents looking to gain peace of mind regarding their teens' driving habits should explore the Focused Driving Rewards. For more details and to enroll in the program, you can visit the Nationwide website. Together, with awareness and effective tools like this, families can work towards making driving a safer experience for their teens.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, stands as one of the biggest and most robust financial services and insurance entities in the U.S. Rated A+ by Standard & Poor's, Nationwide is celebrated for its customer-focused innovations, offering a comprehensive array of insurance and financial products including auto, business and life insurance.

For further information, visit www.nationwide.com.