CAMP HILL, Pa., Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Pennsylvania, today applauded Gov. Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania legislature for enacting SB 314, legislation that bans texting while driving on Pennsylvania roads.

Corbett signed the bill during an event at an AT&T* retail store in Camp Hill. Schweder also highlighted AT&T's ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of texting and driving though an initiative known as "Texting and Driving...It Can Wait," which Gov. Corbett cited during the bill-signing ceremony.

"Gov. Corbett and the General Assembly worked hard over the past year to make this new law a reality," Schweder said. "We're thrilled to join him today as he signs this historic measure and to remind all Pennsylvanians that no text message is worth putting lives at risk."

Schweder said that according to a new study by the [ Texas Transportation Institute ], when drivers read or send a [ text message ], their reaction time is doubled. When asked to respond to a flashing light while texting behind the wheel, drivers were more than 11 times more likely to miss the light altogether(1).

In an effort to help address the problem of texting and driving, AT&T in 2009 launched its [ "It Can Wait" ] campaign that aims to deter texting while driving. Since the campaign was launched, AT&T has:

Developed "[ The Last Text ]," a powerful 10-minute documentary featuring real stories where lives have been drastically altered – or even ended – because of texting while driving;
Launched[ AT&T DriveMode ] – a free mobile app that, when enabled, sends a customizable auto-reply message to incoming texts and emails, notifying the sender that the user is driving and will respond when it is safe. The app also provides option to send calls directly to voicemail;**
Designed an anti-texting-while-driving pledge for its [ Facebook ], [ Friends & Family ] and employee pages;
Created a resource center – [ www.att.com/textingcanwait ] - offering downloadable educational resources for the public;
Revised its wireless and motor vehicle policies to prohibit texting and driving;
Incorporated a don't-text-and-drive message on the protective clings for devices sold in AT&T retail stores;
Integrated campaign messaging in AT&T catalogs, signage, bills, emails and newsletters and at AT&T-sponsored events; and much, much more.

For more information on AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign, please visit: [ www.att.com/textingcanwait ].

(1) Texas Transportation Institute: [ http://tti.tamu.edu/group/cts/texting-and-driving/ ]

*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.

** 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.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: [ T ]) is a premier communications holding company and [ one of the most honored companies in the world ]. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at [ http://www.att.com ]. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at [ http://www.att.com/newsroom ] and as part of an RSS feed at [ www.att.com/rss ]. Or follow our news on Twitter at [ @ATT ].

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: [ T ]) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2010, more than $148.2 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

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AT&T Applauds Gov. Corbett, PA Legislature on New Law to Ban Texting While Driving

AT&T Applauds Gov. Corbett, PA Legislature on New Law to Ban Texting While Driving