Adam Levine, Nissan, and NBC Launch 'Red Thumb Day' Against Texting and Driving

Nissan conducted a nationwide Red Thumb Day to raise awareness and combat texting and driving, one of the most deadly of the cell phone-involved distracted driving types. With Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and his NBC show The Voice on board, the three promoted Red Thumb Day to encourage people to mark their thumbs as a reminder not to text and drive.

The U.S. Department of Transportation says that cell phones are involved in 1.6 million auto crashes a year and take 6,000 lives annually and cause half a million injuries. Red Thumb Day is inspired by Red Thumb Reminder, a program created by Steve Babcock of EVB.

Around the country on December 15, Nissan dealerships gave out free red thumb bands and during The Voice broadcast on NBC that night, Adam Levine announced Red Thumb Day for the next 24 hours as he proudly sported a red thumb band on the air.

"Together with Adam Levine, Nissan encourages drivers to put the phone down and get where they are going safely," said a Nissan spokesman. "A 'Red Thumb Reminder' may seem insignificant. However, every time you see it, it reminds you to not text and drive."

Nissan is encouraging drivers to join the Red Thumb movement beyond just the day by sharing photos tagged #RedThumb via their favorite social media channels. #RedThumb posts will be featured on a microsite, along with a special message from Levine supporting the cause.