Mission Completed: AT&T It Can Wait 21-Day Challenge

Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post and I was compensated by the AT&T it Can Wait 21-Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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After being asked to participate in the AT&T It Can Wait 21-Day Challenge by a friend, I’m happy to report I did not look at or use any form of cellular devices while in the driver’s seat. Instead, I noticed a ton of other drivers gazing into their cell phones while behind the wheel and was inclined to steer away from them.

It seems that 21 days is the magic number for establishing a habit. AT&T has embraced this and launched a safe driving program targeted at smartphone users asking them to pledge not to engage in “distracted driving”. AT&T hopes to reach 16 million pledges by the end of 2016.

Statistically, more than half of the drivers who own smartphones use them while driving alone. About half that many are inclined to use their smartphones when there are passengers with them. The It Can Wait program’s goal is to continue to significantly reduce the number of people practicing distracted driving whether alone or with passengers.

The AT&T It Can Wait 21-Day Challenge is now in its 6th year. Recent research of the power of the pledge has shown that nearly 50% of participants have stopped using their smartphones while driving, have encouraged others to stop using their smartphones while driving, or have allowed a passenger to operate their smartphone for them while driving. Nearly 30% of passengers have asked drivers not to use their smartphones while driving.

Participating in the program has inspired millions of downloads of the free AT&T DriveMode App, minimizing distractions while driving to help keep eyes on the road. The app is available for download at Google Play and iTunes.

AT&T DriveMode is a free, safe driving app that helps prevent distractions while driving by silencing incoming alerts. The app activates when speed reaches 15 MPH and deactivates when speed drops below 15 MPH for 2-3 minutes.

The impacts of distracted driving affect us all, so we’ve made DriveMode available to customers of all wireless carriers. You also have your choice of English or Spanish.

Other key benefits:

• Parental Alerts that send an SMS to the parent if the app is turned off or if auto-mode is disabled
• Auto-reply responses to SMS and MMS messages with a personalized safe driving message
• One-touch access to key contacts, music, and navigation apps
• Customizable home screen with a personal photo reminding you why distracted driving prevention is so critical
• Pledge to help reduce distracted driving by installing DriveMode now. Also, invite your friends and family to do the same. We all share the road and are impacted when someone texts and drives.

Data and text messaging charges may apply for app download and app usage. Standard messaging rates apply to auto-reply messages. Compatible device required.

Please join me now and take the pledge.