We've all done it--dashed off a quick text while waiting at a stoplight or instinctively picked up the phone when it buzzes with a new message, even though we are behind the wheel.
We all know that this habit can be deadly, and the evidence keeps piling up. Stats from the U.S. Department of Transportation show that nearly 5,500 people died in crashes in 2009 involving a distracted driver, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 87 percent of teen drivers admit to texting while driving.
Players in the auto industry are now taking up the cause. BMW launched its “DON'T TXT & DRIVE” campaign this week with a series of TV, print, online and radio ads and a strong in-dealership message. It also is incorporating that message into more than 100 teen driving schools across the country.
“Since we first started fighting against distracted driving, I have met with the heads of nearly every leading automaker, and I have asked each of them to do what they can to help us end this deadly epidemic,” said Department of Transportation secretary Ray LaHood. “BMW has really stepped up to the plate.”
Other carmakers are also combating distracted driving. In Subaru's “Baby Driver” commercial, for instance, the dad tells his daughter, “I don't want you texting.”
Ford spokesperson Wes Sherwood said, “We are combating distracted driving with every vehicle sold with Sync to help transition drivers from manual devices to our voice-controlled technology that helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while staying connected."
Sherwood also noted that Ford was the first automaker to support legislation for a nationwide ban on handheld texting. LaHood seconded the need for this legislation, saying that his focus is on the 20 states that have not yet banned texting while driving.
