L.A. Kings’ Captain Partners With Mercury Insurance to Shoot PSA

Texting while driving is responsible for nearly 1,100 traffic related injuries a day, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. It’s reaching epidemic proportions, which is one reason LA Kings’ Captain Dustin Brown is partnering with Mercury Insurance to help spread the word about the dangers of texting while driving.

Brown, an eight-year NHL veteran, alternate captain of the 2010 U.S. Olympic silver medal hockey team and father of four young children, filmed a public service announcement (PSA) that educates viewers about the issue and is set to premier tonight on FOX Sports West during the Kings game against the New Jersey Devils.

“LA is a big, spread out place and we spend a lot time in our cars, so it’s really important everyone stays focused on the road,” says Brown. “You may think it’s only a quick glance when you text, but that could be the difference between life and death.”

The PSA features Kings’ mascot Bailey playing hockey… while texting. Suddenly, Bailey is blindsided while looking at his messages and knocked to the ice by a check from Brown.

“People say I play hockey on the edge, but when I drive, I always play it safe,” says Brown, whose aggressive on-ice style helped lead the Kings to the 2012 Stanley Cup championship. “I want to be sure the roads are as safe as can be for my family and all drivers.”

“We want to encourage everyone to leave the phone alone when they’re driving,” says Mercury Advertising Director Erik Thompson. “The text will be there when you arrive. It’s not worth getting into an accident to see what Aunt Edna has to say about her poodle Pookie. We’re in the business of protecting people and this initiative can help do that, plus if we can reduce accidents then we can reduce rates.”

Source: Mercury Insurance