AT&T’s Commitment to Stopping the Problem of Texting While Driving

Drivers who read and send text messages while driving are much more likely to be in a crash. That’s why AT&T is committed to putting an end to texting and driving.

This summer, AT&T’s It Can Wait® campaign was significantly bolstered by the commitment of Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile US, Inc. and more than 200 other organizations to join the movement.

The companies and organizations are supporting a new national advertising campaign, a nationwide texting-while-driving simulator tour, retail presence in tens of thousands of stores, and outreach to millions of consumers with a special focus throughout the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day—known as the 100 Deadliest Days on the roads for teen drivers.

The highlight of the summer campaign will be a national day of action on Sept. 19.  On that day, It Can Wait advocates will reach out in their communities to raise awareness of the risks of texting while driving, encourage everyone to make a personal commitment not to text and drive and recruit others to join the growing ranks of advocates dedicated to saving lives by ending texting while driving.

AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson says, “Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives.”

To take the pledge and see a list of supporters, visit www.ItCanWait.com.  For additional information and resources, visit www.att.com/itcanwait.

It Can Wait® – over the years:

September 29, 2009 - AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson announced AT&T’s commitment to address the issues of Texting While Driving through an initiative to communicate to wireless consumers, especially youth, on the dangers of texting behind the wheel.  AT&T developed online resource center: www.att.com/txtngcanwait

March 8, 2010 – Official “It Can Wait” Launch included true stories and the last text message that was sent or received before someone’s life was altered, or even ended, because of texting and driving.

May 2010 – AT&T Foundation Contributes $250k to Non-Profit Youth Safety Organization

December 2010 – “The Last Text” Documentary was released.

May 2011 –AT&T announced a four-year series of contributions totaling $1 million to help educate the public and spread the word about the dangers of texting while driving.

August 30, 2011 – AT&T DriveMode free application was launched on BlackBerry.

September 27, 2011 – AT&T DriveMode free app was launched on Android

May 2012- AT&T’s Teen Driver Survey video was released.  It detailed findings on teens’ TWD behaviors.  This month was the release of the PEERS simulator tour that traveled to local high schools to educate teens on the dangers of texting while driving. 

July 2012-September 2012-American Idols helped spread the word with PSA’s showcasing their support of the campaign.

August 15, 2012- AT&T called on nation's drivers to pledge: Never Text and Drive.  Americans urged to make lifelong commitment on Sept. 19.  AT&T launched www.itcanwait.com.

September 19, 2012- First-Ever National “No Text on Board Pledge Day”.  AT&T created and launched an online simulator at www.itcanwaitsimulator.org for the public to experience the dangers of texting while driving in the comfort of their homes.

September 30, 2012- GPS Updates to DriveMode. No longer do you have to manually turn on the app. It now automatically sends a customizable reply to incoming messages when the vehicle starts moving 25 mph. Then when the vehicle slows to less than 25 mph for 5 minutes, the app will turn off and the user can view the calls.

January 2013 - At CES, AT&T announced plans for 2013 in terms of expanding partners and making safe-driving technology more widely available, like the Pantech Discover being the first device preloaded with DriveMode technology.

March 28, 2013 – AT&T released the business commuter Texting Whie Driving findings with supporting animated video and infographic.

May 14, 2013 –T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon Wireless join the campaign uniting the major carriers for ICW campaign; announcement of new ad campaign from carriers, retail presence, expanded simulator national tour and more.  Commitment from 200-plus companies.