ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority says people who are sending or receiving text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to cause a wreck.
The authority has launched a "designated texter" campaign to increase public awareness that texting and driving can be dangerous, even deadly. They are hoping to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road by promoting the idea that passengers take control of a driver's smart phone and handle incoming texts.
The authority is inviting people to take a pledge to be a designated texter and is also urging those who register to submit a picture and a story explaining why they have taken the pledge.
Crystal Williamsonbey knows firsthand how dangerous texting and driving can be. "That happened to me in the twelfth grade. A U-haul actually ran into the back of us, because they were texting," she said, adding that she would sign the pledge. "Don't text and drive. It's worse than drinking and driving."
Not everyone we talked to is crazy about the idea and said it's not very practical. "Let me just get on hiring a clerk to just come with me everywhere I go, sit in the car with me. No, I don't think it's a good idea," said Matt Bussin, who said he would sign the pledge only if he had to.
To sign the pledge, visit the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority's website at oocea.com/pledge.
