Powerful anti-texting while driving message
By www.itsinternational.com - December 26, 2010
"Where u at." Those three words made up the last text message Mariah West read
before her car crashed into a bridge, ending her life. Approaching one of the most
dangerous days on the road - New Year's Eve - telecommunications company AT&T
has announced the release of a powerful new documentary featuring stories from
individuals, including Mariah's parents, whose lives have been altered by texting
while driving.
The 1O minute piece will be distributed throughout the US to school, safety
organisations, govemment agencies and more as part of AT&T's "It Can Wait"
campaign. Each of the eight individuals included in the full-length reel volunteered
their stories to help AT&T educate wireless customers - particularly youth - on the
risks of tapping away on their cell phones in the car.
"This documentary is a raw look at the reality and hazards of texting while driving.
and we hope it will make wireless customers think twice before pulling out their cell
phones in the driver's seat," said Cathy Coughlin, senior executive vice president and
global marketing officer for AT&T. "As a global telecommunications company, it is
our responsibility to bring these risks to light, especially now during the holiday
season and we approach New Year's Eve."
The documentary is supported by CTIA - The Wireless Association. The National
Safety Council (NSC). National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and Family.
Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).
AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign launched in March 2010, and to date, more than
21,600 consumers have taken the pledge not to text and drive on AT&T's Facebook
page. In addition to more than 16,700 AT&T employees through its internal social
media channel. More than 10,000 pledges have also been made on the AT&T
Friends & Family page - an employee-led initiative encouraging others to commit to the cause.
Foradditional information on AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign. visit
www.att.com/txtngcanwait.