DECEMBER 5, 2012
Traffic Safety Coalition launches anti-texting and driving campaign in support of AT&T’s “It Can Wait” Campaign
CHICAGO – The Traffic Safety Coalition (TSC), a national not-for-profit organization working to improve road safety, is launching an anti-texting and driving campaign and supporting AT&T’s national “It Can Wait” campaign to educate the public on the dangers of texting and driving.
“Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior. Quick decisions on the road can affect families forever,” said Traffic Safety Coalition Co-Chair Paul Oberhauser, whose daughter Sarah was tragically killed in 2002 when a driver ran a red light and crashed into her car. “Drivers need to realize a text can wait.”
Every year more than 100,000 crashes involve drivers who are texting, according to the National Safety Council. Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash.
“No text message, no phone call, no tweet is worth a life. Reading or responding to a message can wait. Do not put your own life or the lives of others in danger,” said Jacy Good, a crash survivor who lost her parents to a distracted driver the night of her college graduation.
To promote greater road safety, prevent injuries and save lives, the TSC urges everyone to take action on this important issue. There are a number of things individuals can do:
1. Take the pledge to never text and drive by visiting the Traffic Safety Coalition website www.traffic safetycoalition.com or www.itcanwait. org. If you see someone texting and driving, ask them to stop.
2. Download AT&T's DriveMode app for enhanced safety while driving. When the DriveMode app is enabled and the vehicle is moving 25 mph, the app automatically sends a customizable auto-reply message to incoming texts, letting your friends know you’re driving and will reply when it’s safe.
3. Watch the AT&T Don’t Text While Driving documentary and show your support by sharing it on social media to encourage your networks to become educated on this issue.
The TSC works with more than 200 partners nationwide, including local chapters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Safe Kids USA and other local community organizations across the country, to promote greater road safety.
If you are interested in learning more about the TSC or participating in its efforts, visit www.TrafficSafety Coalition.com.
