AT&T Expands “It Can Wait” Campaign Against Distracted Driving

It has been five years since AT&T started its “It Can Wait” campaign. Its message stated that when it comes to texting and driving, no text is worth a life. On its 5th year, the telecom company has expanded its message to include smartphone driving distractions – no post, glance, email, search or text is worth a life.

Related: AT&T’s ‘It Can Wait’ Campaign Discourages Texting and Driving

Virtual reality simulation
This summer, AT&T teamed up with animation studio Reel FX. Together, they launched a 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) simulation which allows viewers to completely understand the dangers of distracted driving. Last week, AT&T kicked off a 100-city tour where people can check out the VR simulation. AT&T likewise released a 30-second TV commercial and a full-length feature that focus on the devastating consequences of glancing at a smartphone while driving.

Related: AT&T’s 30-second TV commercial

Related: AT&T’s full-length feature

Statistics

• Seven in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while they drive.
• Three in 10 people surf the net while they drive.
• One in 10 people do video chat while they drive.
• Four in 10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving.

Distracted driving in Kentucky
Early this year, AT&T’s “It Can Wait” program was brought to Southern High School’s Magnet Career Academy. Students were put into a simulator that recreated the eyes-off-the-road and hands-off-the-wheel experience. The program’s objective was to make students remember that a phone call or text message can wait and to pledge to never text while driving.

In 2014, there were more than 53,500 crashes in Kentucky. Over 14,000 injuries and 169 fatalities were due to distracted driving. While these figures are alarming, we can do something to reduce the accident rate. Distracted driving is preventable and with the proper safety tips, we can save lives. Here are some tips, from the American Automobile Association, to avoid distractions while driving:

1. Put away your electronic distractions.
2. Pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place if you need to answer a call or send a text message.
3. Make sure you have finished dressing and grooming yourself before you get on the road.
4. Fully focus on the road by actively scanning the road, using your mirrors and watching out for pedestrians and cyclists.
5. Take care of your personal activities before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

Related: Using Social Media Is A Driving Hazard

As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I commend AT&T for consistently running this campaign. I would like to urge all motorists to participate and take the pledge to keep your eyes on the road and not on your phone. Any post, text or email can wait. Please drive cell-free.