Texting while driving has become a growing epidemic and brings severe consequences to all involved. Here at PTL Insurance, we understand this tragic reality and would like to take action and change the statistics. Studies show that you are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident when texting and driving (Virginia Tech Transportation, 2009).
We recently came upon a video entitled “The Last Text”, a documentary made in March 2010 by AT&T. This campaign’s purpose is to spread awareness of how texting while driving can dramatically change a person’s life in an instant as well as educate audiences about the consequences of committing this act behind the wheel. The stories told in this video are heartbreaking, yet depict the dangers and realities of texting while driving. Filled with guilt, loss, and urgency, the families affected want to give a voice to those who have passed and stress the importance of driving safety.
Each story focuses on how the accident occurred and what the last text sent said. These messages included very simple terms, such as “Lol” and “Where u at”. It is crucial for any driver, both young and old, to understand how not responding to a text message for a few minutes is not the end of the world. Looking down for a split second to read or send a reply can end someone’s life, whether it is your own or another person’s. Those who committed this act or family members commented that texting was a way to pass the time, that texts were usually about anything and everything, and many could do it automatically without thinking. However, there is a difference between texting when that is the only focus and texting while operating a moving vehicle.
In the end, the message was clear: No matter what, do not text and drive. Being on the phone while driving is highly dangerous, some say more so than being intoxicated while driving. Texting is the same as closing your eyes for 5 seconds, do you think you could do that while driving down the highway?
PTL Insurance encourages our customers and community to watch this video and spread the word about the dangers of texting and driving. We find it very important to keep our loved ones safe from harm. Therefore, it only makes sense to not put them in a situation where they have to choose between their life and a text.
You can check out “The Last Text” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DebhWD6ljZs
