What did we do before the age of smart phones? As a professional blogger and social media addict, I will confess to being attached to my phone day and night. However, when getting into the car, I am well aware of how distracting it can be to hear a text message arrive or emails flooding your inbox. It is oh so tempting to pick up the phone for just a second to see what’s going on.
But in that second, your life can change. You can change the lives of others. All because of a simple text message causing an accident. Is it worth it? Did you know that those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a car crash? Or that when drivers read or send a text message, their reaction time is doubled?
Verizon Wireless and AT&T are partnering to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. They are committed to working together to stop distracted driving. Now you can join the #ItCanWait movement by taking the pledge to never text and drive.
“No text message, email, website or video is worth the risk of endangering my life or the lives of others on the road. I pledge to never text and drive and will take action to educate others about the dangers of texting while driving. No text is worth the risk. It Can Wait.”
In addition to taking the pledge, you can read stories about texting and driving, learn interesting facts and take the texting and driving simulator to see where you stand. I took the pledge, will you?
I agree!! My kids will actually remind me to put my phone down if I just glance at it while driving. That makes me feel better that if they are quick to remind me, then they will also tell someone else who is driving them which is just as important!
It is ridiculous how bad this has gotten, thanks for helping to remind people!
I have heard of people dying while texting, as they can link the time of the text or tweet to an accident. I will have to be more mindful of my phone when I get the urge to check it.
I have to admit when I first moved here from Dallas– I did this!! I hate to admit it now but it was just out of habit– my older son soon got me in check and started reminded every time how dangerous it was– I love him for that and I love the slow pace of Louisiana for that as well– it slowed me down 🙂
I pledged to all my family and friends!
It is hard to not want to look at your phone or text at a light, etc. I have turned most of the notifications off on my phone so that I do not hear those distracting noises. IMPORTANT topic!!
So many people update Facebook or Tweet while driving. It’s become second nature.
I only glace at redlights but that’s just as distracting. I’ve gotten to where sometimes I put my phone in my purse where I can’t see / hear it while I’m driving. That seems to help.
Did you happen to see my tweet the other day?? When I was walking in Old Metairie with my double stroller, I literally had to SWERVE the stroller so that a teen wouldn’t hit us. This was on a neighborhood street, and she came literally within inches of the stroller. I was so outraged, needless to say. I will fully admit to looking at my phone at a light, which I really shouldn’t do. This is really a problem and almost worse than drunk driving. It really is true – whatever the tweet/text, IT CAN WAIT!
OMG, Ashley! I would have been livid! I make sure not to even look at my phone while I am in the car b/c I want to set a good example for my girls. I want them to remember that Mom never texted while driving when it’s their turn at the wheel.
This is a very important message….one thing I think about as well is the fact that our children are watching us….if we are texting when we should be focusing on driving (or any number of things), they will learn that this is ok (and potentially put them at risk). I have to force myself to put the phone in my purse b/c I have been guilty from time to time but I’m making myself be better.