AT&T Brings New Virtual Reality Driving Simulator to DMV for Public to Experience the Deadly Consequences of Glancing at a Phone While Driving
It is said that the 100 days of summer are the 100 deadliest days for young drivers. To remind the public of the dangers of distracted driving, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin joined AT&T, the Rhode Island State Police, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at a press conference today at the DMV.
As part of the press conference, AT&T had on hand for the public to experience a new virtual reality experience that simulates, in an immersive but safe 3-D setting, the potentially deadly consequences of glancing at your phone while driving. Part of AT&T's It Can Wait public awareness campaign, the company is bringing the virtual reality simulator to 100 cities in 100 days.
"Today's smartphones allow users to do so much, from calling and texting to tweeting and livestreaming. And, with each new function, it's one more deadly distraction for those driving behind the wheel of a motor vehicle," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. "We have to continually educate drivers – young and old – to turn off the apps and tune in to the road. And, I would also like to commend AT&T for their ongoing commitment to changing drivers' habits when it comes to smartphone and cell phone use."
"According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. Education is key to ensuring that drivers are aware of the dangers of distracted driving. However, for those who choose to put themselves and others in harm's way by texting and driving, members of law enforcement will stop them and issue a citation, and the penalties for texting while driving increase with subsequent offenses. This public-private partnership is an excellent way to get the message out about the dangers of distracted driving to ensure that all Rhode Islanders are safe on our state's roadways," stated Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
"Distracted driving is not a new problem, but with the advances in technology we as drivers have even more opportunities to be distracted when we are behind the wheel. Cell phone technology has gone far beyond just the ability to make phone calls. People are using their smartphones for more than just making basic calls. People are using them in so many other ways from texting, to taking photos, streaming music and videos, completing financial transactions, and using them to map out directions. Unfortunately, all too often they are doing these thing while operating their motor vehicle. And this is not just a problem with young drivers. More and more adults have admitted using their smartphones while driving. The more we can do to educate and inform all drivers of the dangers of distracted driving, and hopefully avoid distractions, the safer our roads will be for all." said DMV Administrator Walter Craddock.
The DMV has made strides to educate the public to the dangers of distracted driving by adding an entirely new section of its Driver's Manual solely for that purpose, and has incorporated distracted driving questions into its computerized knowledge exam. The DMV is excited to collaborate with Attorney General, Peter Kilmartin, AT&T, and RI State Police, by hosting the virtual reality driving simulator at the main DMV office in Cranston.
"Behind the wheel, everything can change in the blink of an eye. Shockingly, the research we released a few weeks ago found that seven in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving," said Patricia Jacobs, President, AT&T New England. "We want Rhode Islanders to really think about the life-altering consequences, and to join us in putting their smartphones away when they're driving."
According to new research from AT&T, seven in 10 people engage in some type of smartphone activity while driving. Texting and emailing are still the most prevalent, but other smartphone activity use behind the wheel is now common. According to the research, nearly four in 10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving, almost three in 10 surf the net, and surprisingly, one in 10 video chat. Among social platforms, Facebook tops the list, with more than a quarter of those polled using the app while driving, and about one in seven saying they're on Twitter behind the wheel.
According to the survey, smartphone activities people say they do while driving include:
• Text (61%)
• Email (33%)
• Surf the net (28%)
• Facebook (27%)
• Snap a selfie/photo (17%)
• Twitter (14%)
• Instagram (14%)
• Shoot a video (12%)
• Snapchat (11%)
• Video chat (10%)
Other unsettling findings include:
• 62% of people keep their smartphones within easy reach while driving.
• 30% of people who post to Twitter while driving do it "all the time."
• 22% of people who access social networks while driving cite addiction as a reason.
• Of those who shoot videos behind the wheel, 27% think they can do it safely while driving.
In addition to the virtual reality tour, AT&T's new ad campaign helps broaden recognition that the smartphone-distracted driving problem is bigger than texting. Through slow-motion cinematography, viewers are able to see the jarring aftermath of taking their eyes off the road to glance at or tap on a smartphone while driving. The compelling content contextualizes a normal day that turns life-threatening when a driver makes an unsafe choice behind the wheel. The campaign hopes to draw in the audience by highlighting personal stories of what many do on the roads each and every day and how it can forever change a life.
The 30-second spots will be featured in national TV programming and on www.ItCanWait.com. Visit AT&T's YouTube page to view the 30-second spots and the full-length feature.
Since 2012, Attorney General Kilmartin, AT&T, the RI State Police and the RI Department of Transportation have partnered to bring the It Can Wait program to high schools across the state. Since the program launch, the partners have made 55 school visits throughout Rhode Island, with more than 20,600 young drivers taking the pledge to never text while driving.