‘It Can Wait’ To Avoid Distracted Driving
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As we continue to come off holiday mode, we’re well-reminded of the dangers of drinking and driving. In addition to that, I want you to keep in mind the hazards of distracted driving, particularly texting/talking on your cell phone. Although a hands-free law has been in effect in Hawaii since 2009, I see people using their cell phones/texting behind the wheel every single day.
My latest close call was a week ago when a lady jabbering on her cell phone went right through a stop sign and nearly hit me. Frustratingly, she didn’t notice what happened, even after I honked at her. Thankfully, I have not been hit by any preoccupied drivers yet, but for the unfortunate ones who have fallen victim to distracted driving, AT&T just released a documentary as part of its “It Can Wait” campaign.
This 10-minute video was distributed nationwide to schools, safety organizations and government agencies. It features eight individuals who volunteered their tragic stories to help AT&T educate its wireless customers (targeted at youth) on the risks of tapping away on their cell phones while behind the wheel.
“Distracted driving is an epidemic, particularly among teens who are confident in their ability to text or talk while driving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Of the 5,500 people killed last year because of distracted driving, the largest proportion of fatalities occurred among young people under the age of 20. I hope teens will take this powerful video to heart and realize that when you’re behind the wheel, no text message or phone call is worth the risk.”
AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign initially launched in March 2010, and since then more than 21,600 consumers have taken the pledge not to text and drive on AT&T’s Facebook page, 16,700 AT&T employees on its internal social media channel and 10,000 on the AT&T Friends & Family page. The company will continue to raise awareness through this campaign that will span print, radio, TV, online ads and in-store signage.
I encourage you to watch AT&T’s video when you have a few moments: www.youtube.com/shareatt . Drive safely in 2011 and remember your distractions really can wait - that text message, phone call or even that ono plate lunch you want to eat so badly. Your life and other people’s lives are worth that extra 15 minutes before you reach your destination.
Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: EA Games Sale!
I can’t mention just one app this time - I need to tell you about the huge sale that EA Games is having on all its apps. All EA apps are 99 cents on the iTunes App Store. This includes about 60 apps, and keep in mind that the average regular price for each is $10!
Highlights include Madden NFL 11, Tetris, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Scrabble, Monopoly, Sudoku and The Sims 3 World Adventures. EA’s sale is probably a little leftover cheer from Christmas, so take advantage of it as soon as you can. I’m not sure how long it will last.
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