AT&T BRINGS IT CAN WAIT MOVEMENT TO MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Midland Technical College joined with AT&T* and state leaders today to focus attention on a dangerous practice that puts millions of Americans at risk: texting while driving.

To drive home the message and help make our roads and highways safer, the college hosted AT&T’s virtual reality simulator, enabling students, faculty and staff to experience firsthand the dangers of texting and driving.

“Texting and driving is not only unwise and irresponsible, but it is now illegal here in South Carolina,” said state Sen. Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington). “That’s a good first step to addressing the problem. The next is we all need to commit to never texting behind the wheel.”

“Wireless devices and technology are tremendously beneficial in many ways,” said state Sen. Shane Massey (R-Edgefield). “But we have an obligation to use them wisely and safely. That’s why I invite everyone to join me and my family in taking the It Can Wait pledge to not text and drive.”

Since its launch in 2009, more than 2,500 organizations and tens of thousands of individuals have joined the It Can Wait® movement to raise awareness and change behavior. Through ItCanWait.com, Facebook, text-to-pledge, tweet-to-pledge and events, advocates have inspired more than 5 million pledges to never text and drive.

To take the pledge and join the movement, text ICWMTC to 464329. Or visit www.itcanwait.com.

Dr. Sonny White, president of MTC, announced that the school is joining the It Can Wait movement, signing on as an advocate alongside organizations that include the South Carolina Chapter of the National Safety Council, the NAACP, Walt Disney World, USAA and the Carolina Panthers.

“At Midlands Technical College, our students are focused on preparing to provide a better life for themselves and their families,” White said. “It is shocking to realize that all their work, dreams and potential could be wiped away by a careless, senseless text. So I am pleased that MTC will be part of a program that can make a lasting, positive difference in lives, both here in South Carolina and across the country.”

“The wireless technology we offer at AT&T is capable of amazing things, but it has to be used responsibly,” said Ted Creech, Director of External Affairs for AT&T-South Carolina. “That’s why we are working to make texting and driving as unacceptable as drinking and driving and why we encourage customers to download and use applications like AT&T DriveModeTM.” (1)

DriveMode® curbs the urge to text. When enabled and the vehicle is moving 25 mph, the app automatically sends a customizable auto-reply message to incoming texts, letting your friends know you’re behind the wheel and will reply when it’s safe.

Texting while driving is an epidemic, and it’s not isolated to teen drivers. It affects adults as well. A recent AT&T survey shows business commuters know texting while driving is unsafe, but they still engage in these behaviors. In fact:

· They are texting and driving more than they used to.

o Six in 10 commuters said they never texted while driving three years ago.

· Nearly half of commuters admit to texting while driving, which is more than teens.

o 49 percent of commuters self-report texting while driving, compared to 43 percent of teens. (2)

· Despite knowing the risks.

o 98 percent said sending a text or email while driving isn’t safe.

· For many, it has become a habit.

o More than 40 percent of those who admitted to texting while driving called it a habit. (3)

For additional information and resources, visit www.att.com/itcanwait.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

(1) Data and text messaging charges may apply for download and app usage. Standard messaging rates apply to auto-reply messages. AT&T DriveMode is free to AT&T customers only. Compatible device required.

(2) Teen survey conducted by Beck Research on behalf of AT&T http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/txting_driving/att_teen_survey_executive.pdf

(3) Commuter survey conducted by ResearchNow on behalf of AT&T http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/pdf/twd_commutor_survey.pdf