Ohio High School Athletic Association and Nationwide Insurance Continue Partnership to Highlight Teen Safety

         'Buckle Up' Campaign addresses number one killer of teens



    COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 22 /EMWNews/ -- The Ohio High School Athletic

Association (OHSAA) and Nationwide Mutual Insurance announced today that

they are joining forces once again to promote smart teen driving through

the Buckle Up for a Successful Season campaign.



    "On behalf of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, I want to

thank Nationwide Insurance for their continued commitment to the Buckle Up

for a Successful Season campaign. From the beginning, Nationwide recognized

the significance of this campaign and their efforts to encourage teen

drivers to 'buckle-up' should be applauded. We all share a responsibility

for the safety of Ohio's youth and I'm excited that Nationwide will remain

a valuable partner in this important cause," Daniel B. Ross, Ph.D.,

Commissioner of the OHSAA, said.



    "The best way to keep teens safe on the road is by helping them become

smart drivers," said Bill Windsor, associate vice president of safety for

Nationwide. "Buckle Up for a Successful Season reminds teens that being a

smart driver starts with fastening your seatbelt." Nationwide operates

http://www.nationwidesmartride.com, a website dedicated to teen driving.



    Vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death for teenagers,

accounting for roughly a third of all deaths in this age group. According

to the most recent data available in 2006, nearly 66 percent of 16-20 year

olds killed in Ohio accidents were not wearing a safety belt. The Buckle Up

for a Successful Season campaign has one simple yet powerful goal -- to

achieve a safer highway environment. The campaign, which commences with the

upcoming high school football season, is in its 5th year.



    Buckle Up for a Successful Season is a community-level traffic

initiative that involves a large portion of the 833 member schools that are

part of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The objective is to

promote a safer highway environment by reminding and encouraging

student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, and fans to buckle

up when going to school, practices, games -- everywhere, every time. Signs,

program advertising and events are among the techniques used at various

high schools.

    About Nationwide:



    Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified

insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than

$160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list. The

company provides a full range of insurance and financial services,

including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, commercial insurance,

administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions,

long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more

information, visit http://www.nationwide.com .








    Contact Information:  Rachel Allenick

                          Home Team Marketing

                          812 Huron Rd. Ste 205

                          Cleveland, Ohio 44115

                          Phone: 216-566-8326