Elgin’s Police Department has partnered with AT&T in its “It Can Wait” Don’t Text and Drive campaign.
“Texting while driving is a growing problem throughout the country and can have devastating results,” said Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda. “In Elgin, we’re trying to ensure everyone understands that our officers will enforce the laws surrounding texting and driving.”
AT&T is partnering with communities across the state to ensure its “It Can Wait” Don’t Text and Drive message reaches its target audience – teenage drivers.
AT&T cites studies that illustrate the average teen sends and receives five times more text messages per day than a typical adult and that traffic crashes are the leading cause of teenage death in America.
“This about life safety,” said Swoboda. “High school students are more likely to text and drive so Elgin police liaison officers are focusing efforts in getting the message about the dangers to high school students in U-46.”
In addition to partnering with local communities, AT&T has also partnered with Chicago Bull’s basketball star Derrick Rose to ensure the message reaches high school students.
“I have to be focused when I drive, whether it’s on the court or on the road. That’s why I don’t text when I drive,” Rose is quoted as saying. “I’m proud to join AT&T’s team and help lead this important campaign to warn teenage drivers in Illinois about the real dangers of texting while driving.”
As part of the campaign, AT&T has produced a power 10-minute documentary entitled “The Last Text.” It can be viewed at http://itcanwait.att.com/.