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Alabama State University Wins AT&T Competition to Stop Texting/Phoning While Driving (2980 hits)

Alabama State University Wins AT&T Magic City Classic “It Can Wait” Pledge Competition. University wins $2,000 “It Can Wait” pledge that highlights dangers of distracted driving/texting.

Alabama State University and Alabama A&M compete on the field every year in the Magic City Classic, and this year, the universities competed off the gridiron for something much more important – saving lives - by competing in the AT&T Magic City Classic “It Can Wait” pledge competition, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

Students, faculty and fans had the opportunity to impact behaviors and spread the important message that no post, glance, email, search or text is worth a life. They also were able to experience the “It Can Wait” virtual reality simulator and see firsthand the dangers of distracted driving.

“The Magic City Classic is always an exciting and hard-fought competition, and the “It Can Wait” pledge challenge was just as hard-fought, with safety on the line,” said Mickey Harbin, AT&T assistant vice president of external and legislative affairs. “While only one team wins the football game, many more students and fans across our state win much more by pledging to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phone.”

AT&T launched the “It Can Wait” campaign in 2010 to educate drivers about the risks and dangers inherent in smartphone distracted driving. The campaign shares a simple message: distracted driving is never OK. The campaign began with a focus on texting and driving. It has now expanded to the broader dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel.

During the Magic City Classic pledge competition, more than 2,000 students, faculty and fans took the pledge. Research shows that taking the pledge makes a difference; those who share their promise or pledge are more likely to stop this dangerous behavior and speak up to others.

“Driving with any distraction presents a danger to every motorist on the road,” said ASU President Quinton T. Ross. “That’s why we are grateful for our collaboration with AT&T and their It Can Wait campaign. We all know distracted driving is dangerous. Let’s follow AT&T’s example and remember, it can wait.”