Smartphone technology continues to make life more convenient for cellphone users across the country and throughout the world. But as cellphone use increases, so do the dangers of distracted driving.
AT&T joined forces with MoDOT to bring its virtual reality experience It Can Wait campaign to the Missouri State Fair. The 3D simulation was presented to fairgoers on Thursday, August 15 at MoDOT's Highway Gardens.
The virtual reality experience was introduced in March 2018 as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the growing dangers of distracted driving. AT&T research found that nine out of 10 drivers admitted to using their smartphone while driving. But they weren’t just texting. Drivers were checking email, accessing social media and even watching videos—all while sitting behind the wheel.
“When you’re behind the wheel, everything can change in the blink of an eye,” said Mike Chambers, AT&T regional director of external affairs. “We’re bringing the issue center stage. We’re immersing a visually driven generation in a striking 3D experience to help raise awareness and ultimately save lives.”
“It’s scary,” said Kay Willis of Mexico, MO after experiencing the simulation. “But it’s also very real.
“We travel a lot and we see it all the time,” said Bob McCullum of Purdin, talking about drivers using cellphones on the road. “I wish I could give them all a ticket. But it’s not even against the law if they’re over 21.”
Current Missouri law only bans cellphone use for drivers under the age of 21. Missouri is also one of only 15 states with only a secondary seat belt law, meaning law enforcement can only ticket for failure to use a seat belt if the motorist is stopped for another infraction.
In 2017, MoDOT and the Missouri Coalition for Highway Safety launched the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) challenge to drive down the increasing number of fatalities on Missouri roadways. The challenge focuses on two critical issues every Missourian can help address: unbuckled fatalities and distracted driving crashes.
Fairgoers were encouraged to take the Buckle Up Phone Down challenge while at the Missouri State Fair. Currently, nearly 8,500 individuals and 460 businesses have accepted the challenge.
To curb the urge to use a smartphone while driving, AT&T offers DriveMode, a free app available to customers of all wireless carriers for iPhone and Android. The auto mode feature automatically turns on the app when you reach 15 mph and turns off when you stop. DriveMode also sends a message to parents of young drivers when the app is turned off. AT&T DriveMode is available for free download at the Apple Store and Google Play. To take MoDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down challenge, go to www.modot.org/BuckleUpPhoneDown.