“Texting and Driving: It Can Wait”

AT&T’s “Texting and Driving: It Can Wait” simulator coming to campus

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3585
Source contact: Le Bailey, Center for Student Involvement, 541-962-3714

LA GRANDE, Ore. March 3, 2017 – An interactive experience teaching the dangers and consequences of distracted driving first-hand is coming to Eastern Oregon University’s campus.

Individuals are invited to step into the “Texting and Driving: It Can Wait” simulator at the Hoke Student Union anytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 10.

The simulator is part of AT&T’s traveling “It Can Wait” campaign and the message is simple: Distracted driving is never OK.

Last year, the campaign evolved as smartphone driving distractions have grown beyond texting to social media, selfies and video chatting. Drivers are never alone on the road, even when they are alone in the car. Research from AT&T shows nearly four in 10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving. Almost three in 10 surf the net, and surprisingly, one in 10 video chat.

To begin the simulation, participants will be asked to sync up their smartphone and begin driving. As they drive, individuals receive texts that they will have to reply to, and ultimately, see what happens when attention is divided between the road and their phone.

Once participants have seen the life-altering consequences of texting behind the wheel, the campaign asks individuals to join the no-texting-and-driving pledge. The simulator is not set programming and participants are welcome to come and go as they please.

To learn more, visit www.ItCanWait.com and follow @ItCanWait on Twitter.