With over 11,000,000 pledges made, people across the nation are making roads safer through their commitment to "It Can Wait." To take part of this movement, you take a photo of yourself with "It Can Wait" written on your hand to show the world that you pledge to never drive distracted again.
Texting and Driving: Why Do People Do It?
According to and article in Time, "Why People Text and Drive Even When They Know It's Dangerous" by Justin Worland, 3 out of 4 drivers admitted to texting and driving in 2014. While 98% of those surveyed admitted that texting and driving was very dangerous, 75% say that they still do it anyways. And, according to scholars and researchers, there is a huge gap between knowledge and behavior; even though people know it is dangerous and risky, they do it anyway.
Why Don't They Just Stop Texting and Driving?
While it is clear these people know the dangers and risks involved with texting and driving, it is important to understand the lure and compulsion behind it. For some people, hearing the buzz or ting of a new text messages releases dopamine in their brain. Because of the chemical reaction that takes place in the brain, curbing the compulsion to check a text message is even more difficult. With this in mind, there are numerous organizations and movements trying to increase awareness about texting and driving to reduce car accidents and to make the roads a safer place.
AT&T's It Can Wait Campaign
This campaign brings people together across the nation to spread awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. As many people that do partake in texting and driving note that they don't like feeling alone in the car, this campaign aids to bring people together so that they never feel alone, even when they are alone in their cars.
Here is the pledge, which can be found at www.itcanwait.com/pledge
"I PLEDGE TO CARE FOR THOSE AROUND ME AND PUT MY PHONE DOWN WHEN I'M DRIVING.
I PLEDGE TO SHARE THE MESSAGE: DISTRACTED DRIVING IS NEVER OKAY.
I PLEDGE TO BE AWARE THAT I'M NEVER ALONE ON THE ROAD"
Take The "It Can Wait" Pledge
The team at the Bruning Law Firm support this campaign. Here is A.J. Bruning, a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, taking the "It Can Wait" pledge.
