NPRC APPLAUDS AT&T ON NEW "NO TEXT ON BOARD" INITIATIVE | National Puerto Rican Coalition, Inc.

[Washington D.C. (August 15) - The National Puerto Rican Coalition Inc. (NPRC) applauds the efforts of AT&T to end texting and driving through its announcement of a nationwide “No Text on Board – Pledge day” on September 19^th, 2012.

AT&T’s campaign encourages an end to this growing national epidemic, and it couldn’t come any sooner, as crashes stemming from texting and driving have been growing at an alarming rate—reaching over 100,000 last year. The NPRC is particularly pleased by the leadership of AT&T on this important issue, since the problem so severely affects our own community. AT&T’s Teen Driver Survey (May 2012) revealed that texting rates among Hispanic teen drivers are significantly higher than those of Caucasian and African-American teenagers. Indeed, 54% of Hispanic teens admitted to texting while driving, compared to 41% of Caucasians and 42% of African-American teenagers, and 70% of Hispanic teens admitted to texting while stopped at a light, compared to 58% of Caucasians and 61% of African-American teenagers.

“AT&T is taking the lead on an important issue that affects the Puerto Rican community and our nation as a whole,” said NPRC President Rafael Fantauzzi. “Their leadership in this space with the “No Text On Board – Pledge day” on September 19^th 2012, to generate awareness among drivers is commendable, and we look forward to working with AT&T to bring this important message to Puerto Ricans across the country.” NPRC also encourages its members to participate in the September 19 “pledge day” and to take advantage of the multitude of other resources related to the campaign, which can be found here: www.itcanwait.com

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The National Puerto Rican Coalition, Inc. (NPRC) is the premier non-profit non-partisan Hispanic organization representing the voice of the Puerto Rican community. NPRC is committed to enhancing the social and economic well-being of Puerto Ricans through policy development, research, advocacy, civic engagement, and education.