Using your phone while driving can harm more than yourself

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We all know the dangers of texting and driving. But many still use their smartphones to check their Facebook status, send a Tweet or look up something on the Internet. Please don’t risk disability or death — to you or others — or your Service Dog.

“Where u at.” Those three words made up the last text message Mariah West read before her car crashed into a bridge, ending her life. Using your phone takes your focus off the road, just as if you were driving with your eyes closed. It’s not only a danger to yourself, but to others — and your Service Dog should he or she be in the vehicle with you.

This 10-minute video shows the stories of the eight individuals who volunteered their stories to help AT&T educate wireless customers – particularly youth – on the risks of tapping away on their cell phones in the car.

“Distracted driving is an epidemic, particularly among teens who are confident in their ability to text or talk while driving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Of the 5,500 people killed last year due to distracted driving, the largest proportion of fatalities occurred among young people under the age of 20. I hope teens will take this powerful video to heart and realize that when you’re behind the wheel, no text message or phone call is worth the risk.”

“This documentary is a raw look at the reality and hazards of texting while driving, and we hope it will make wireless customers think twice before pulling out their cell phones in the driver’s seat,” said Cathy Coughlin, senior executive vice president and global marketing officer for AT&T. “As a global telecommunications company, it is our responsibility to bring these risks to light.

The documentary is supported by CTIA – The Wireless Association, The National Safety Council (NSC), National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

AT&T is working to distribute the video to numerous government agencies and safety organizations around the country, as well as to educators, students and policymakers to put real faces to the growing problem and spread the message.