AT&T campaigns against texting while driving, national summit set to convene
I was reminded yet again today of the dangers of texting and driving. After lunch, I was pulling away from the curb when a woman zipped past me, eyes glued to the screen of her cell phone, upon which she was happily tapping away. Not exactly a brush with death, but it’s a bit frightening to see someone “in control” of a giant rolling chunk of automobile paying no attention to the road in front of them.
Back in the office, it seemed like the right time to mention the press release that came my way from AT&T this morning. The company is launching a public awareness campaign urging people to stop texting while driving.
Among the highlights:
- The company is revising its own policies to forbid its 290,000 employees from texting while driving.
- Most new devices being sold by the company will include protective screen covers (those things you peel off after you buy a phone) with the anti-texting/driving message.
- AT&T says it will produce a series of public service announcements - with high-profile spokespersons - in the coming months.
For those of you who care about such things, this issue is about to start getting more attention. Tomorrow begins the nation’s Distracted Driving Summit, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Clearly, the focus of the two-day summit will be on texting and driving. But it’s going to be interesting to see how much attention is paid to cell phones being used for talking.
Tim has covered a wide range of topics, including tourism, crime, aviation and gambling, since becoming a reporter in 1990. The Oklahoma native joined the Post-Dispatch in 2007 after spending nine years in Orlando. In his spare time, he's often exploring one virtual world or another. He can be reached at tbarker@post-dispatch.com. 
My company, US Bank made it a corp. policy to require it’s employees to not use their cell phones while traveling (driving on business). I think it was a smart move. I try to ask the person if they are on a cell phone and if they are I keep the conversation very short (to politely disconnect) and explain I will call them back.
I work for the company. They can make it their “official policy” for their people to not text and drive…. good luck getting people to stop. I say, get drunks off the roads, then worry about texting while driving..
We have developed the safety awareness campaign “Drive Now Text Later”. This campaign will become a national campaign with New Hampshire leading in the foreground. Hopefull AT&T will join our campaign to create an alliance.