AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign to help put a stop to text messaging drivers is gaining support. According to PCMag.com, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and more than 200 organizations have hopped on board to spread the word.
We will leave alone the fact that these brands were build on promoting the “car phone” and recognize that this program has the potential to reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions caused by distracted driving. With this added sponsorship, the initiative now includes an outreach program aimed at teens, a massive retail presence and a texting-while-driving simulator tour. The campaign is looking to touch each and every driver out there — in an effort to reduce the risks.
Our Pompano Beach car accident lawyers understand that our teen drivers face the most serious risks. Did you know that car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for teens across the country? But it’s not just the teens who are at risk here when we’re talking about texting while driving. It’s the business commuters who are in trouble here, too. According to a recent study, close to half self-report texting while driving. Less than 45 percent of teens report this behavior. Both report that they understand the risks, but just aren’t willing to hang up the phone.
“Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash,” AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said in a statement.
Stephenson adds that the risks behind texting and driving have been on the rise in recent years, but people are still ignoring the risks. Drivers feel comfortable talking behind the wheel — and we’re all suffering because of it.
As it stands now, there have been close to 2 million personal commitments made on the “It Can Wait” website. We’re suggesting you visit the website and truly make the commitment to never text and drive. It’s a move that could wind up saving your life.
While you’re at it, you’re also encouraged to help spread the word. Talk to your friends, family and community about the risks associated with texting and driving.
But really how bad is the problem?
According to distraction.gov, there were more than 3,330 people killed in car accidents that involved a distracted driver in 2011. This is compared to the less than 3,270 who were killed in these same incidents in 2010.
Let’s break it down: Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind.
Whether you’re a newly-licensed teenage driver, or a regular business commuter, we’re asking you to hang up the phone behind the wheel. You should never take your eyes off the wheel for a text message or a phone call.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez — 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Texting Ban Set to Become Law in Florida, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, May 10, 2013
NHTSA Targets Automakers in Distracted Driving War, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, May 7, 2013