I usually use the power of pause when writing about posting online – pause before you post, send an email or text message. Always keep in mind — there is no rewind online.
However emotionally speaking, words can destroy your life, which have literally taken the life of many young people and even adults. The power of pause has another important meaning when it comes to getting behind the wheel of your vehicle.
At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. – Distraction.gov
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. – Distraction.gov
Distracted driving kills. The friends, family, and neighbors of the thousands of people killed each year in distracted driving crashes will tell you it is a very serious safety problem. The nearly half a million people injured each year will agree.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 is Distracted Driving Day. Be a part of bringing awareness to your community.
As part of AT&T’s It Can Wait pledge competition to achieve 16 million pledges in 2016 and end smartphone distracted driving, the company is challenging drivers to put down their phones for 21 consecutive days. Why 21 days? Experts say it takes at least 21 days to make or break a habit.
According to research, habitual distracted drivers have a false sense of security in their actions. Only 58% feel that using their smartphone behind the wheel is “very dangerous,” compared to 78% of non-habitual distracted drivers.
AT&T hopes that through the 21-Day Challenge, drivers who participate will make safe driving a lifelong practice.
Habitually stowing your phone out of sight and reach, or using a free app like DriveMode that silences alerts, can help you break the dangerous habit of smartphone distracted driving.
The 21-Day Challenge comes just weeks after AT&T’s latest It Can Wait public service announcement started airing. The powerful PSA reminds drivers we may be alone in the car, but we’re never alone on the road. The PSA resulted from research that showed people are more likely to be distracted by their smartphone when they’re alone in the car.
AT&T is hosting pledge events in more than 30 states and recruiting local organizations, schools and community leaders to participate in the It Can Wait pledge competition.
To take the pledge never to drive distracted, go to www.itcanwait.com.
The fact is, everyone knows that texting and driving is risky, but they continue to engage in it anyway. Don’t wait to become a statistic — don’t wait to hear about your friend or family member to become one. Be proactive.
Let’s take the challenge in the POWER TO PAUSE with our devices. When you turn on the car — turn off your phone. The fact is, we are guilty in being distracted by the bells, dings, whistles, and lights that our phones will send us while we are driving. It only takes a few seconds to glance over and suddenly realize you no only have control of your vehicle.
Watch the following PSA’s – and you will soon realize — #ItCanWait.
Share these with your friends and family and remember, don’t wait to become a statistic.
- “Distracted Driver Awareness Day” is October 5, 2016. On this day, people from around the world will use come together and use social media to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
- Prior to and on October 5th, we encourage everyone to create and share posts, images, videos and real-time live streaming video shows to raise awareness as to the dangers of distracted driving. Offline we will be supporting local community events focused on educating and raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. We welcome your pictures, videos and stories at http://StopDD.Today and on social media using #StopDD.
- Please share “Distracted Driving Awareness Day” with your family, friends, and community. Encourage everyone to use the links and resources found at http://StopDD.today, to raise awareness and save lives!
