Texting and Driving, It Ain’t Worth Dying – It Can Wait

Every day, I hear on the news how someone had been in a fatal wreck due to texting while driving.  Even if you aren’t the one driving but on the other end of the phone texting, you’re still part of the problem.  There’s an app for that because It Can Wait y’all.

As a blogger, mom, wife, daughter, friend…you always want to stay in the loop.  For me, it’s very hard to resist looking at my phone with I hear that obvious ‘ding’.   I usually feel like I’m missing out on something if I don’t look right away, which is totally lame.  It’s just a habit now with today’s technology and part of the whole instant gratification addiction.

AT&T introduced to the DriveMode app and I gotta say, it’s pretty stinkin’ awesome.  I’ve insisted that all of us install it and USE IT.  Basically, the DriveMode app puts your texts in silence mode so that you don’t hear them come in.  You can still get calls, have access to music, etc but that infamous ‘ding’, you won’t hear.  Here’s more:

Download the DriveMode app and get your settings in check.  Two main things to take note of in your settings:

1. Customize and turn on your auto reply.  This is a pretty cool feature and, in fact, it’s on of my favorites with this app.  It comes with a default message but I added my own personality and reworded it just a bit.
2. If you’re forgetful, turn on Auto-Mode.  This turns the DriveMode app on when you travel over 15 MPH.  When you stop, it goes off and your texts will come in.

Here’s what my customized message looks like –

Maybe you don’t text and drive but you are the one texting the driver.  You bear some responsibility too.  Think about it….Have you ever text someone, either knowing that they’re driving or they replied saying they’re “on their way to”, etc….??  I’m sure we can all say yes.  Take that moment to not reply, to not text them.  If you really want to have conversation, call them instead.  Don’t give them the temptation of looking at their phone.  This is why I LOVE the auto-reply feature.  I don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings or sounding rude.  If I get a text, they’ll get the auto-reply which is straightforward and from the heart.  I know they’ll understand that It Can Wait.

#X driving before you text.  Don’t risk your life, or that of another’s.  That text of “See you in a minute”, may not become reality.   I encourage you to take the It Can Wait pledge and download the DriveMode app. It could save your life.

Disclosure: Product from AT&T was received for my time & efforts to create this post, however, opinions are my own.  I have boys that drive all the time and I’m thankful to have found something that will help keep them from being distracted with texts. Not to mention myself….