September 19 declared "Don't text and drive" day in Michigan

(WXYZ) - A major wireless cell phone provider is sending a powerful message  to Michigan drivers: don't text and drive.

AT&T, MDOT and Wayne State University are teaming up to bring attention to the issue by urging all Michiganders to pledge to stop texting and driving.

Users are asked to take the pledge on www.itcanwait.com and then share their promise with other through social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.

The pledge effort is part of the company's public awareness campaign aimed directly at stopping the dangerous practice of texting while driving.

As part of this nationwide public safety effort, Governor Rick Snyder issued an official proclamation declaring Sept. 19, 2012, "Don't Text and Drive Day" in Michigan. 

In addition Wayne State University will host its ninth annual "Drive Safely to WSU" event on Sept. 19, as well, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

More than 100,000 times each year, an automobile crashes and people are injured or die while a driver was texting and driving, according to statistic from the National Safety Council.

In addition, a recent AT&T survey found that 97 percent of teens say they know that texting is dangerous.

The survey also found:

·      75 percent of teens surveyed say that texting while driving is "common" among their friends;

·      Almost all teens (89 percent) expect a reply to a text or email within five minutes or less;

·      And 77 percent of teens report seeing their parents text while driving.

AT&T's "It Can Wait" public awareness campaign is focused on a simple, powerful message: No text is worth dying for.

AT&T first began its "It Can Wait" campaign discouraging texting and driving in 2009.

The website provides an opportunity to take the don't text and drive pledge. 

It also offers a host of educational resources and information on the issue, including a documentary featuring families impacted by texting and driving accidents that has been viewed more than 3 million times.