Every day, I ride my bike through downtown Washington, D.C. to and from the NGLCC headquarters building. Most people don’t think texting could affect my daily commute, but distracted driving is a common occurrence—and I have learned to swerve if needed. A recent survey found that nearly half of commuters self-reported texting while driving and 43% of those who did called it a “habit.”
I try not to dwell on the fact that a driver in front of me is probably not looking in his or her mirror or that same driver might be looking at their phone instead of seeing me behind them in the bike lane. It doesn’t matter how many lights I put on my bike if the driver isn’t looking at the road.
Although I’ve never been personally affected by a text-related accident, the It Can Wait campaign’s recent testimonial videos and documentary by Werner Herzog have made me consider the serious and devastating effects of multitasking behind the wheel.
That’s why I’ve pledged to never text and drive. That’s why I’ve asked the same of my family and my girlfriend. That’s why Team NGLCC has taken this pledge and is committed to helping spread the word for the It Can Wait campaign.
- Join NGLCC and our corporate partners AT&T and Verizon on September 19 to get out the word and take the pledge!
- Are you an advocate against texting and driving? Share your story!
- Speak out! Spread the word on social media with hashtag #ItCanWait
And if you see someone riding an orange and white bike in your mirror on your way to work, wave at that person. But be sure to keep your eyes on the road. It Can Wait.
