You may remember Michael’s post in December on the important topic of texting while driving. AT&T recently launched a campaign on this major issue.
Awareness is key. Whether you’re talking on the phone, sending a text message, or even swapping CD’s, all of these basic tasks could take our focus off of the road while driving, leaving you less aware of your surroundings’ less aware of the road in front of you and the other drivers around you.
A July 2009 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute concluded that texting while driving increases your risk of being in an accident by a factor of 23.
I know the temptation to respond to a text message as soon as you receive it. We live in a society that holds connectivity and availability in very high esteem. When you’re in your car and behind the wheel, you’re not available. Pull over to the side of the road or wait until you get to your destination before sending a text message. No message is worth the opportunity cost of taking your focus off the road and endangering the lives of you, your passengers, and other drivers around you.
Help spread the word about the dangers of texting while driving. For more information on the campaign and to take the pledge to not text and drive, view AT&T’s Texting while Driving public education campaign.
Betty says:
March 19, 2010 at 7:43 am
Well, we have all seen how well I text when I’m NOT driving. I will definitely have to give texting my full attention. It just makes sense when you are driving a piece of heavy machinery in a sea of heavy machinery to keep your focus!
PreGameLobby says:
March 19, 2010 at 8:45 am
Calm, Cool, & Connected (and our family website)…
PGLers: Good morning everyone. I wanted to take a moment to invite all of you to read a blog over at Calm, Cool & Connected regarding a very important subject. Last week, AT&T launched a campaign ……
Gene B says:
March 19, 2010 at 11:17 am
I still am not texting, however, common sence dictates not to do so while driving. We all need to use our heads and stay safe. Life can be rough enough without not thinking and inadvertently injuring some one.
Christy says:
March 19, 2010 at 3:11 pm
As you know, I am a firm believer that just because you have your cell phone on you all of the time, doesn’t mean you have to answer it immediately. As a cyclist, it frightens me how often I notice people texting in the car. You might still be able to see other cars while you’re texting, but you certainly are not going to notice the bicycle to your right.
On a separate matter, Casey and I saw someone reading a book in the car last week! She didn’t even put it down once the light changed and she started moving. I think the same principle applies… keep your eyes on the road. Humans can’t read/type and drive at once. It’s been proven.
Becky says:
March 23, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Glad to see this campaign. The roads are scary enough without people texting and driving.
Care says:
March 26, 2010 at 8:38 am
I get so frustrated when I am behind a person and pass them and see that they are texting. My children also are started to get frustrated with this. They often point it out for me. LOL
Our state keeps going back and forth on legislation. Hope soon they crack down on this.
Felicia says:
March 26, 2010 at 8:52 am
This is a great campaign. I can’t even TELL you how many times I see people texting while driving, or even sitting at a stop light. They think it’s ok because they aren’t moving, but what if something catches their eye and they mistake it for the light turning green and go. They could be in the intersection in seconds endangering everyone around them. It is not just teens doing this, as I am sure a lot of people assume, but I see just as many adults. Whatever that text is, it can wait at least a couple minutes until you can pull over. It is just NOT worth it!
ciara says:
March 26, 2010 at 10:48 am
it really bugs me when someone texts while driving. i witnessed one lady in our neighborhood just stopped at a 4-wy stop. everybody kept looking at her waiting for her to go. then she started driving, i looked over at her when she neared us and noticed that the entire time she not once looked up from her phone. texting while walking is also pretty bad…i see a lot of kids not paying attention when they cross streets. :0/
Amanda says:
March 26, 2010 at 11:57 am
I’ve known two people that got into accidents because they were texting, and one other that was in an accident because someone ELSE was texting while driving. If something is that important – well, that’s what speakerphone is for, honestly.
Kat says:
March 26, 2010 at 12:56 pm
It amazes me that people still text while driving, despite knowing about the dangers. I have a friend who does it often, and when pointed out how dangerous it is, she just shrugs and continues texting.
mena says:
March 26, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Great campagin. The keys on my phone are small enough that I really have to fouces on texting, this while driving is not multitasking it is impossible!
Can’t wait to text? use your bluetooth and voice commands to dial and talk to someone, right?
Andrea H says:
March 26, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I think it is irresponsible and ignorant to text while driving. Not only are your putting yourself in danger but also those around you!
Amanda says:
March 26, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I so agree I was rearended by someone who was textinga dn driving then tryed to blam it on me! I ended up winnning, but some times I wonder why people do it! I mean it is not that hard to just wait!
Ponn Sabra says:
March 26, 2010 at 6:50 pm
A very necessary campaign! My girls (all under 10 yo) know how to text and answer the phone, because I refuse to answer, talk or text while driving. There are too many awful drivers on the road, even without the added problem of trying to be connected during the wrong time. Nothing is more important than the lives in my car.
Dana says:
March 26, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I have to tell my husband this all the time. People are constantly texting him about work. I tell him ..it can wait 5-10 or 20 min until we get to where we are going. He doesn’t do it when I’m in the car…but I wonder if he does it when I’m not there. I hope not!
Amy Brewer says:
March 26, 2010 at 7:23 pm
I do not text while driving. I just wait until I am somewhere. If someone texts me I usually just ignore it.
Miranda Johnson says:
March 26, 2010 at 8:41 pm
When you’re driving you’re driving…NOTHING else. You’re driving something that weighs 1-2 tons (or more?). Keep yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians safe by not driving distracted…be it cell phone, cd, or other distractions.
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