EDITORIAL

Sobering figures prompt reminder that ‘It Can Wait’

Posted 9/24/14

Many of us recall a time before the broad emergence of the Internet, before mobile phones and devices became ubiquitous across our society. Now, an entire generation has grown up in this new …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
EDITORIAL

Sobering figures prompt reminder that ‘It Can Wait’

Posted

Many of us recall a time before the broad emergence of the Internet, before mobile phones and devices became ubiquitous across our society. Now, an entire generation has grown up in this new era.

Today, thanks to technology, we are constantly connected to a seemingly endless reservoir of information. We are also more easily connected, be they near or far, to loved ones, friends, colleagues, even strangers.

The benefits of this mobile world, of course, are myriad. Smart phones enhance our lives in ways both practical and personal, providing new tools with which to document, share and navigate our lives.

There are pitfalls, too – ways in which we, collectively, have yet to fully catch up with modern advances. The recent kickoff in Warwick of this year’s “It Can Wait” program highlighted one of the more troubling manifestations of this social reality.

The gathering – part of the third annual initiative overseen by AT&T, Rhode Island State Police, the Department of Transportation and the office of Attorney General Peter Kilmartin – was held at Toll Gate High School. It served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving, and to highlight the sobering statistics that surround that activity.

Figures provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration demonstrate the seriousness of the issue, especially among young drivers. In 2012, 3,328 people were killed and another 421,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Ten percent of those between the ages of 15 and 19 who were involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted at the time.

Perhaps most disturbingly, texting while driving has surpassed driving while intoxicated as the leading cause of death for teens on the nation’s roadways. The safety administration estimated 3,000 teens are killed annually, as a result of texting while driving, compared with 2,800 as a result of drunk driving.

“We are here to heighten awareness, why it is so unsafe,” said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, who was on hand for the recent kickoff event. “No text is more important than your life.”

The event included the screening of a video that shared the stories of many whose lives have been affected by texting while driving. It has been shown at dozens of similar programs since the “It Can Wait” initiative began, and will be taken to other local schools as the effort continues.

During the gatherings, students are asked to sign a pledge that they will not text while driving.

“You have the power of choice,” Kilmartin said during the kickoff event. “What we are asking you to do is to make the right choice.”

Those interested in bringing the “It Can Wait” program to their local school can contact Kilmartin’s office at 274-4400, ext. 2007, or visit www.riag.ri.gov/itcanwait.php.

In a fast-moving and ever-changing world, a simple reminder can often make an enormous difference. We applaud those behind the initiative, and those students, families and educators who have embraced the message of “It Can Wait.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here