Video Warns Teens About Texting And Driving

March 24, 2011 9:45 AM

(CBS File Photo)

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Heard on WBBM 780, Local, News

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CHICAGO (WBBM/CBS) – There is a new warning for Illinois teens about texting and driving.

As WBBM Newsradio 780′s Lisa Fielding reports, a public service message shown to students this week highlights the dangers of the practice.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Lisa Fielding reports

It features stories from police officers, and family and friends of people who have died in texting and driving accidents, as well a man who caused a deadly accident, and a man who was disabled in a crash.

The mini-documentary produced and released in December by AT&T, called “The Last Text,” is only 10 minutes long, but its message is meant to be long-lasting.

Watch The Video:

Chicago high school student Margaret Washington says she used to text and drive, but not anymore.

“After watching this documentary, I now know that four little-letter words can really kill you,” Washington said.

AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza says the Chicago Public Schools will now show the documentary as part of its driver’s ed program.

We’re working to show it to as many Illinois teen drivers as we possibly can,” La Schiazza said.

The Bulls’ Derrick Rose will also appear in an upcoming public service announcement on texting and driving.

Video Warns Teens About Texting And Driving

Marika1970

Definitely a step in the right direct, if it saves at least one life then it’s a successful program.
Erik Wood

I think this effort by AT&T will help drivers get the message. It has to start with the end user, the driver…deciding not to partake in distracted driving and this will help drive that message home.

I also decided to do something about teen (and adult) distracted driving after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver. Instead of a shackle that locks down phones and alienates the user (especially teens) I built a tool for teens and their parents called OTTER that is a simple, GPS based, texting auto reply app for smartphones. It also silences call ringtones while driving unless you have a bluetooth enabled. I think if we can empower the individual then change will come to our highways now and not just our laws.

Erik Wood, owner
OTTER LLC
OTTER app
Debbie Handel

I don’t think any one has the right to get in a huge killing machine and type words on a stupid phone, nor do I think they have the right to even hold a phone in their hands and talk. My children, grandchildren, family and friends are on those roads. I see it all the time, and the people are all over the road, its stupid, it’s not cool, look at how many people are dying and as with drunk driving it’s innocent people too, not just the ones breaking the law. UGH11111111111111