I was singular in my car one day and reached for my name to cut off a quick message. I looked up and had to cut to see in my lane. Wow. I got lucky this time, but what if...?
Since then, I've learned a lot about risky driving behaviors. That car crashes are the number one killer of teens.
That texting while driving is like drinking four beers and getting behind the wheel.
That in 2008 distracted driving killed nearly 6,000 people and injured more than half a million more.
It's no secret that my generation is addicted to our phones. But, so is my mom. This isn't just a teenage problem - it's a family problem. Our cell phones help us communicate with the mass we love, but they're also critical to how we love our lives. They keep us informed, entertained, and on schedule. But it's time to acknowledge that focusing on your phone when you're behind the cycle can be dangerous - if not deadly.
Last year, my mom Jodi and I teamed up with Allstate's X the TXTSM movement to help prepare kids and their parents about the dangers of texting while driving. My brother PJ, friends the Jonas Brothers - and more than 125,000 teens and their families nationwide - have joined us in taking the pledge not to text and drive. This issue is close to our hearts because we see our friends doing it, our parents doing it, and we know the result is simple.
Just DON'T do it.
I am so encouraged by the nationwide conversation that's happening about the dangers of texting and driving, and honored to let a powerful platform to talk about this case with my fans and their families. The conversation is happening where kids and their parents stay connected, including Facebook and Twitter. And the X the TXT messaging and programming has been integrated into events like concerts (including my Battlefield tour) and the Jonas Brothers Road Dogs softball games. The result? Families are talking about the cut and taking action whenever and wheresoever they spend time together.
This Wednesday, I am hosting my annual charity event - the Jordin Sparks Experience in Arlington, Texas. During the event, my fans and their families can contact me, my family, professional athletes, and celebrity friends, in taking the pledge not to text. We'll also be giving people a chance to be a DSGN8D TXTR (designated texter) to get over for them when they're on the road. Everyone can get the salute and blame their own DSGN8D TXTR on facebook.com/XtheTXT.
Reaching for your phone while driving increases your chances of crashing by nine times. We have to do together - as friends, as families - to take control. As much as I live to text and tweet, I've decided that no means is worth my life and I hope it's not worth yours either.
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