The National Urban League Commends AT&T's Campaign against Texting and Driving

"No Text on Board—Pledge Day" Promotes Safe Driving

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Urban League celebrates AT&T's new undertaking to promote safe driving by highlighting the risks of texting behind the wheel.  Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, issued the following statement regarding the "No Text on Board—Pledge Day:"

"African-Americans have a high rate of wireless device usage.  African-American teenagers, in particular, use text messaging as an essential form of communication.  Many are unaware of the multitude of consequences that can result from sending a text message behind the wheel of a car.

The National Urban League is committed to supporting AT&T's nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving.  We strongly recommend that all of our members take the pledge never again to text and drive during "No Text on Board—Pledge Day" on September 19, 2012 at www.itcanwait.com. We stand with AT&T in its efforts to save lives and to promote greater safety on the roads for all."

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, there are nearly 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide

SOURCE National Urban League