CANADA: The consequences of distracted driving can range from costly court-related expenses and higher insurance premiums to prison time if a distracted driver causes collision in which someone is hurt or killed. AT&T* would like to remind all wireless phone users that when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, their first priority is to drive safely. This is especially important during times of increased traffic such as the holiday season.
TIPS: AT&T offers the following safety reminders for motorists who use a wireless phone:
- Curb the Urge– utilize apps like AT&T DriveMode** to curb the urge to read or send a text while driving. When the app is downloaded/set-up and the vehicle begins moving 15 mph, an auto-reply message will notify inbound texters/emailers and wireless callers that you are behind the wheel and will reply when it is safe.
o A broadcast quality b-roll video of AT&T DriveMode in use is available for download here: https://qlnk.io/ql/548b4883e4b027832128328b
- Pull off the road – if a conversation is emotional, complex or requires note taking/directions
- Know When to Dial 911 – only call 911 in the event of a true emergency. Do not call 911 if an emergency vehicle is already at the scene.
- Obey the law – use a headset to drive hands-free and keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Take the Pledge– commit to being safe by signing a pledge against texting while driving like the one on www.itcanwait.com. Share the message with friends too.
It Can Wait is the national movement to end texting and driving. Started by AT&T in 2009, It Can Wait’s goal is simple—to save lives. And we are doing that in three specific ways:
- By spreading the word about the dangers of texting at the wheel
- By getting everyone we know to take the pledge to stop texting and driving
- By joining a powerful coalition of advocates nationwide
Because no text is worth dying for. It Can Wait. Please consider sharing these tips and message as a New Year’s resolution call to action for your viewers. To take the pledge and see a list of supporters, visit www.ItCanWait.com. For additional information and resources, visit www.att.com/itcanwait.
It Can Wait is making a difference. The campaign has inspired more than 5 million pledges to never text and drive, and more than 1.8 million downloads of the Android and Blackberry versions of the DriveMode app. But more work needs to be done to help end texting while driving. To learn more about It Can Wait, please visit www.ItCanWait.com.
The AT&T DriveMode app is available for free on the App Store for iPhone or at www.AppStore.com.
