Townsquare Media is raising awareness about a deadly epidemic that is sweeping across our country, TEXTING and DRIVING!
Studies show that texting while driving may be as dangerous and fatal as drunken driving, according to the Today Show. An estimated 29 percent of the 40,000 fatal crashes in the U.S. each year can be traced back to texting while driving.
Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to get into a collision than nontexters, says a study out of Virginia Tech.
To help combat this growing epidemic, Townsquare Media has launched "TXTING KILLS MONTANA". An effort to bring awareness to our local communities about the tragic consequences of texting while driving.
A small community in Wales, England did something drastic about this dangerous phenomenon:
They made a graphic a public service announcement (viewer discretion is advised), depicting the fatal and bloody things that can happen while scrolling through your contact list.
The four-minute film shows three teenaged girls joking and talking while the one driving texts a message to a boy. The car drives head-on into oncoming traffic and there is nothing left to the imagination as the girls' heads smash through windows and their bodies are thrown around like rag dolls. A dead baby with his eyes still open is shown as part of the collateral damage of the crash.
While the Wales PSA may be too violent for U.S. censors to air on TV, we believe it shows the all-too-real outcome of driving and texting.
How can you get involved? We will be setting up stops thought the year at local high schools, local events and businesses where you can sign a pledge to not text and drive. When you sign the pledge, you will receive the official "TXTING KILLS" thumb band. You can also stop by the the station at 3250 S. reserve St. suite 200, in Missoula to sign a pledge and receive your thumb band.
Help us raise awareness about this deadly epidemic. Sign the pledge and get your thumb band today.