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Waukesha South Students Learn About Dangers of Texting While Driving, Urged to Pledge Never to Text Behind the Wheel at ItCanWait.com
Mayor Scrima Proclaims September 19 Dont Text & Drive Pledge Day
Event Features AAA Simulator That Highlights Dangers of Texting and Driving
WAUKESHA, WI, Thursday, September 19, 2013 Students from Waukesha South High School learned today about the dangers of texting while driving and were urged to take the pledge to never text behind the wheel. Waukesha South teamed up with AT&T, AAA, the Wisconsin State Patrol, State Rep. Bill Kramer and Mayor Jeff Scrima as part of the It Can Wait movement to urge the schools 325 students, and all Wisconsin drivers, that text messages can and should wait until after driving. In todays age of instant communication, we know how tempting it is for drivers, especially our teens, to text while driving, said Waukesha South High School principal Timothy Joynt. But they need to know texting is one of the most dangerous activities a driver can do behind the wheel. Were proud to help spread the message and keep our teen drivers safe. Todays assembly was part of a series of high school events that AT&T, AA A and the State Patrol are holding this school year to drive home the dangers of texting behind the wheel. Students were given the chance to experience firsthand the dangers of texting and driving in a safe setting through AAAs distracted driving simulator. They were also shown a powerful documentary produced by AT&T called The Last Text that shares real stories about lives altered or ended by someones decision to text and drive. Waukesha Souths students, as well as drivers across the country, were also called on today to join the It Can Wait movement and take the pledge to never text and drive at www.ItCanWait.com as part of Drive 4 Pledges Day. The effort is part of the national It Can Wait movement to encourage all drivers to take the pledge on September 19 and spread the word to their families, friends and communities. Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima also proclaimed today, September 19, as a Dont Text & Drive Pledge Day throughout the city and urged all residents to join him in taking the pledge to never text behind the wheel. AT&T first launched the It Can Wait campaign in 2009 to educate the public about the dangers of texting while driving and encourage consumers to take the pledge to never text and drive at www.ItCanWait.com. In Wisconsin, AT&T, AAA and the State Patrol have partnered together to hold events in 25 cities throughout the state since 2010, reaching over 16,500 high school students.

Studies show teens continue to text and drive, even though they know its dangerous and against the law, said Scott T. VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin. Were challenging all drivers, especially our teens, to take the pledge to never text and drive and make it a lifelong commitment. The It Can Wait movement is making a difference. One in three people who have seen the texting while driving message say theyve changed their driving habits, and the campaign has inspired more than 2.5 million pledges to never text and drive. The recently launched From One Second to the Next documentary, which features the story of a Wisconsin boy paralyzed after being hit by a texting driver, has also received more than 2 million views since its Hollywood premiere on August 8. The message is simple: there is no text worth dying for, said State Rep. Bill Kramer (R -Waukesha). All drivers, but especially teens, need to take this message to heart and put their phones down while they are behind the wheel. That text really can wait and is not worth risking a life. Texting while driving causes more than 100,000 car crashes on American roadways each year, according to the 1 National Safety Council . Those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash. Teens are particularly at risk. While 97% of teens say they know texting while driving is dangerous, 75% say the 2 practice is still common among their friends, according to an AT&T survey . Wisconsins law, effective as of December 1, 2010, prohibits sending an e-mail or text message while driving and imposes a fine of up to $400. As a primary enforcement law, officers may stop and ticket drivers solely for texting and driving. Wisconsin is among 41 states and the District of Columbia that ban text messaging by all drivers. AT&T, AAA and the Wisconsin State Patrol are planning a series of high school events this school year, including in Waukesha and La Crosse. To help raise awareness, the Governor has also proclaimed September Dont Text & Drive: It Can Wait Awareness Month throughout Wisconsin and is urging all residents, particularly teens, to never text behind the wheel. For more information on the It Can Wait campaign, please visit: ItCanWait.com.
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National Safety Council www.nsc.org Survey conducted by Beck Research on behalf of AT&T http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/txting_driving/att_teen_survey_executive.pdf.

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