Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile join AT&T’s ‘It Can Wait’ texting and driving campaign

Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile are officially joining AT&T and its ‘It Can Wait’ anti-texting while driving campaign. The leading wireless carriers, among more than 200 other organizations, have joined forces to support a multi-million dollar advertising blitz that aims to curb this bad behavior once and for all. Best Cars Guide has supported AT&T’s effort by teaming up with the company this year for our ‘Distraction Free Fridays’ campaign, which asks drivers to start breaking their bad habit by committing to one day a week, Friday, to ‘put the device aside and focus on the drive.’ AT&T’s Consumer Education and Safety Director, Andrea Brands, recently posted a guest blog post about the ‘It Can Wait’ campaign. Quotes from wireless carrier CEOs from the joint press release, as found at SacBee.com:

“Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash,” said AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson. “Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives.” “The It Can Wait campaign is a meaningful way for Verizon to continue its work on this important issue,” said Verizon Wireless president and chief executive officer Dan Mead. “Texting and driving is a serious social challenge and we look forward to partnering with leading organizations and experts around the world to answer it.” “As a longstanding advocate of keeping wireless consumers focused on driving, Sprint is proud to participate in the ‘It Can Wait’ campaign,” said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. “Sprint will continue to promote education of responsible driving behavior through our sponsorship events, social media channels and thousands of retail stores nationwide.” “Mobile technology connects us in many cool ways, but adults and teens need to put it on hold while behind the wheel,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US, Inc. “Knowing the risks is not enough. By simply putting the phone down, thousands of tragedies can be prevented every year. It’s time to end texting while driving – for good.”

This is a big move for this industry to come together and jointly support a cause that, really, any company should feel proud to stand behind. Kudos to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon for uniting around this important public safety issue.