In an effort to help curb the number of fatalities and injuries caused each year by texting drivers, BMW has launched the ”DON’T TXT & DRIVE” campaign. At bmwusa.com, the automaker notes a disturbing fact: “While some might assume the problem is limited to teens, that's not the case. In fact almost half of all adults admit to texting while driving, compared to only 34 percent of teens. And distracted drivers were responsible for more than 500,000 police-reported crashes in 2008 alone.”
The campaign is dedicated to educating the public and offering tips for staying focused on safety. Here are some of BMW’s recommendations:
Before you turn your car on, turn off your phone.- If you’re tempted to pick up your phone while driving, put it in the trunk or some other unreachable place before you leave.
- When taking longer trips, let your friends, family and co-workers know you'll be out of touch (this includes email and social networks) until you reach your destination.
You can also use the latest technology to safely communicate while driving. BMW owners enjoy features like text-to-speech, Bluetooth® connectivity and BMW Assist™, which allow them to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
“Distracted driving is an epidemic in America, and it has deadly consequences for thousands of people on our roads each year,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Putting a stop to these needless deaths, as well as hundreds of thousands of injuries, will require everyone to take personal responsibility for safe driving. I am grateful to BMW for their efforts to raise public awareness about distracted driving and for urging drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road. I hope that other automakers will follow their lead.”
