AAA Expands Efforts to End Texting While Driving

In the coming month, drivers in Marion County, along with those in 18 other Ohio counties, will encounter AAA billboards that read “SRSLY, DNT TXT AND DRV.” In addition, radio listeners throughout Ohio will hear messages highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and urging them to stop texting behind the wheel.

AAA says data shows that distracted driving contributes to one-quarter of all crashes. Texting while driving is the most dangerous form of distracted driving, as it takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving for an extended period of time.

To date, 36 states and the District of Columbia have banned texting while driving. Ohio does not have a ban, but AAA has been actively lobbying for the passage of H.B. 99, which would ban texting while driving statewide. The bill has been stalled in the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee since late 2011, but is expected to receive attention from committee members in the coming weeks.

AAA believes it will take a comprehensive approach that includes effective laws, strong enforcement and public education to stop the rampant spread of texting behind the wheel. To that end, AAA Ohio Auto Club has supplemented its lobbying efforts with educational efforts including a Text-Free Driver Pledge, which has elicited more than 4,000 signatures since July, 2011.

Now, AAA is expanding its efforts with a campaign aimed at keeping the issue of distracted driving top of mind for all Ohio drivers and passengers.

This campaign includes a 30 second radio spot highlighting the perils of texting while driving and outdoor billboards with the message “SIRSLY, DNT TXT AND DRV”. In addition, AAA is partnering with radio stations across the state to run 15 second PSAs against distracted driving. These spots will run throughout the year, at the discretion of the radio stations.

The “SIRSLY, DNT TXT AND DRV” billboard first appeared in Butler County in February. Now, this message is popping up on 21 billboards in 19 counties around AAA Ohio Auto Club’s territory. The Marion County billboard is located on U.S. 23, 0.5 miles south of Marion Williamsport Rd., on the east side of the road, facing south. The billboard will be up through May 11.