Los Angeles Kings Superstar Anze Kopitar Teams With Mercury Insurance To Promote 'Don't Text & Drive' Pledge Campaign

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2011) – Mercury Insurance today announced they have joined forces with LA Kings All-Star center Anze Kopitar in their fight against texting while driving. Kopitar, a two-time NHL all-star, will appear in a public service announcement (PSA) urging drivers of all ages to put away their cell phones when behind the wheel.

“Aside from being one of the premier players in the NHL, Anze is also one of the most well-liked and respected players off the ice,” said Erik Thompson, Mercury advertising director.  “He provides a great example through actions and is determined to make a difference at the community level. He also fully understands the dangers associated with texting while driving, making him the perfect choice to help spread this message.”

Kopitar joins NASCAR’s youngest licensed driver, Andrew Murray, age 15, as the most recent athletes to endorse Mercury’s pledge, which launched during the 2011 Mercury Insurance Open tennis tournament in Carlsbad, Calif. 

“Texting while driving is a growing problem throughout the country,” said Kopitar.  “It leads to tens of thousands of deaths a year, so I am asking all Kings fans to join me by signing Mercury’s Don’t Text and Drive pledge.”

Kopitar’s 30-second Don’t Text and Drive PSA will premiere on FOX Sports West during the Kings game on Monday, November 7 at the end of the first period.

The spot features Kopitar doing what he does best…effortlessly firing a slap shot toward the back of the net. 

Tracking the puck on film, however, wasn’t as easy.

“We actually had to find a cameraman who could skate backwards and film simultaneously,” said Josh Lieber, Kovel Fuller creative director, who oversaw production of the PSA.  “As it turns out, not many skilled ice-skaters pursue a career behind the lens.  Luckily, Rob McPherson of Kings Vision is both a great skater and an excellent cameraman, so we were able to get some incredible shots.”

Visitors at mercuryinsurance.com can also find information regarding Mercury’s “Get a Quote, Get a Pair of Kings Tickets” promotion, which runs through December 31.  Fans can click their way to a pair of free tickets to watch Kopitar and his teammates on their home ice by filling out an online insurance quote at www.mercuryinsurance.com/kings. What’s more, fans who purchase a policy will receive a new Kings jersey from their agent.

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE (www.mercuryinsurance.com)

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices – core values that distinguish Mercury in the marketplace.