AT&T brought its ‘It Can Wait’ campaign to Beechwood High School to talk about the dangers of smartphone distracted driving in a language today’s students can understand — a virtual reality experience.
Research shows that nearly 9-in-10 people admit to using their smartphone while driving. But people are doing much more than texting while behind the wheel.
To illustrate this, AT&T created a virtual reality experience that makes the problem real. The students came face-to-face with the very real dangers of distracted driving through a shattered glass wall, a fragment memorial wall representing lives lost and a pledge photo wall.
“Student safety and success are our top priorities and we are delighted to have AT&T’s It Can Wait virtual reality experience visit our campus to teach our students about the dangers of distracted driving,” said Justin Kaiser, Beechwood principal.
“This is a shining example of how AT&T is an outstanding partner in our mission to transform our students’ lives through education.”
“When drivers choose to text or check an email while driving, they are not only putting themselves at risk, but everyone on the road, a sobering point we should all remember,” said State Representative Diane St. Onge. “I hope others will join me in taking the It Can Wait pledge as we work to raise awareness throughout Northern Kentucky.”
“AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign shares a simple message, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone,” said Hollie Spade, director Legislative Affairs, AT&T Kentucky.
“No post, glance, email, search or text is worth a life, which is why we are educating Kentuckians on the dangers of distracted driving and urging folks to take the pledge at ItCanWait.com.”
It Can Wait is a national movement urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phones—distracted driving is never OK.
The campaign began with a focus on not texting and driving. It has been expanded to the broader dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel.
Since its launch in 2010, the campaign has:
Helped grow awareness of the dangers of smartphone distracted driving to nearly all of those surveyed.
Inspired more than 30 million pledges to not drive distracted.
Collaborated with AT&T data scientists on research that shows how statewide anti-texting laws impact the rate of texting while driving.
To learn more, go to ItCanWait.com.
