Dangers of Text Messaging and Driving

Overview

A resource for all wireless users on the dangers of texting while driving.

Take out your wireless device. Read the last text message you received out loud. Would reading or responding to that text message from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle be worth the risk of getting into a car accident or worse? Chances are, the text message could wait.

In today's 24/7/365 world, staying connected is no longer an option. It's a necessity. With a tenfold increase in text messaging over the last three years according to CTIA — The Wireless Association, there is no question that texting is increasingly becoming the way many communicate today. And, for many, the allure to quickly read and respond — even from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle — can be tempting. But texting and driving is dangerous.

Our goal is to educate all wireless users, but especially teen drivers, that there is a smart way to text.

Our message is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait.

Resources

Related News

• Causes.com and AT&T Launch New Social Engagement Platform to Encourage Activism
  Dallas, Texas, December 15, 2011
  

• AT&T Applauds Gov. Corbett, PA Legislature on New Law to Ban Texting While Driving
  Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, November 9, 2011
  

• Teen-Led, Teen-Focused Anti-Texting-and-Driving Summit Assembles in D.C.
  Washington, District of Columbia, October 17, 2011
  

• AT&T DriveMode Update
  Dallas, Texas, October 12, 2011
  

• Drive Back To School Safely With New Mobile App Designed To Curb Texting Behind The Wheel
  Dallas, Texas, August 30, 2011
  

• AT&T Announces $1M Commitment in the Fight Against Texting While Driving
  Dallas, Texas, May 11 2011
• Derrick Rose Teams Up with AT&T to Warn Illinois Teen Drivers About the Dangers of Texting and Driving
  Chicago, Illinois, March 23 2011
• AT&T Offers Wireless, Wireline Billing Relief for Consumers Calling and Texting Family, Friends in Japan
  Dallas, Texas, March 14 2011
• As New Year's Eve Approaches, AT&T Aims to Reach Millions with Powerful Anti-Texting While Driving Message
  Dallas, Texas, December 27, 2010
• AT&T Awards $250,000 to Safety Organizations During National Youth Traffic Safety Month
  Dallas, Texas, May 20, 2010
• AT&T Txtng & Drivng Campaign Urges Consumers That 'It Can Wait'
  Dallas, Texas, March 8, 2010
• AT&T Launches Campaign To Educate Wireless Customers On Risks Of Texting While Driving
  Dallas, Texas, September 29, 2009
• AT&T Offers Tips to Help Consumers Avoid Falling Victim to Text Messaging Scam
  Des Moines, Iowa, April 16, 2009

View Additional News Releases

• Stay Connected. Stay Safe Media Kit
• AT&T Smart Limits Media Kit

Overheard

“Distracted driving is an epidemic, particularly among teens who are confident in their ability to text or talk while driving. Of the 5,500 people killed last year due to 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.” — Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation

"Given that texting impacts youth on many levels, including distracted driving, Family and Consumer Sciences students across the nation are using FCCLA's Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety (FACTS) program to combat texting while driving as one of its program units, and the AT&T "The Last Text" documentary is an excellent fit with FCCLA's FACTS program." — Michael L. Benjamin, M.P.H., CAE, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

“The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) Coalition is honored to support AT&T’s documentary, “The Last Text.” It sends such important messages that we’ve developed a complementary Community Viewing Toolkit to provide materials and resources for youth peer-to-peer and community education efforts. NOYS encourages youth and youth organizations to use this documentary to educate teens and communities about the risks of texting while driving. We’re grateful to the families who shared their personal stories and to AT&T for their leadership in supporting education efforts to prevent texting while driving.” — Sandra Spavone, NOYS Executive Director