Willowbrook hosts ‘It Can Wait’ campaign to share with students the dangers of texting while driving

On Nov. 19, Valerie Bruggeman, Director of External Affairs with AT&T Illinois, and State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-46th District) joined Willowbrook sophomores and school officials for the AT&T “It Can Wait” campaign against texting while driving.

“(Every person) we can get to sign the pledge means our roads will be safer for students and everyone else in our communities,” Conroy said. “The dangers of texting while driving are real, and it’s not worth risking your life or your friends’ lives. I’m thankful AT&T Illinois was able to partner with us and offer this important information for students at Willowbrook.”

During the event, Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause greeted the students and spoke about the importance of not texting while driving. Students learned more about the dangers of texting while driving and strategies to stop the practice. AT&T also showed a documentary that shared powerful real-life outcomes of texting while driving accidents.

According to AT&T, every year, more than 100,000 crashes involve drivers who are texting. And although 97 percent of teens admit there are dangers to texting and driving, 43 percent admit to doing so. To date, more than 1.2 million people have taken the “It Can Wait” pledge to never text and drive again. Willowbrook students and staff members signed a poster at the school to join that pledge. To take the pledge, go to www.itcanwait.com.