U.S. Carriers Rally Around "It Can Wait" Anti-Texting Campaign

Texting while driving has become such a big problem that all four major U.S. cell phone carriers have chosen to come together to educate consumers on the dangers, with an extension of AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign.

As reported last week by Engadget, AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign is getting a big boost on Monday as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile US have joined more than 200 other companies as part of a national advertising campaign to keep eyes off smartphone screens and on the road ahead while driving.

Beginning today and stretching across the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), the 2013 "It Can Wait" campaign will wind down on September 19 as its backers encourage communities to get behind the movement.

"Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash," said AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson. "Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives."

"It Can Wait" is a rare unity for the nation's largest cell phone providers, with a multi-million dollar advertising campaign which encourages users to take a pledge. AT&T and USAA will also take the message on the road with more than 400 texting-while-driving simulator tours across the country.

In addition to AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile retail stores, "It Can Wait" will get big exposure this summer from Best Buy, Walmart and RadioShack, and even the Goodyear blimp will get into the action with its own message broadcast to audiences everywhere.

To show your own support for "It Can Wait," head to the website and take the pledge at www.itcanwait.com, where you can also see a complete list of companies supporting the cause.

Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter