Chances are when you hit the roadways, you take steps to ensure you and your family are safe.
Maybe you buckle your seatbelt, or make sure to drive the speed limit.
But what about using your cell phone?
This week, 13WMAZ is starting a community-wide initiative to warn people about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.
It's called the Great Hang Up.
With all the studies on the dangers of talking on the phone or texting while driving, 13WMAZ is hoping to draw attention to the practice, and move people to action.
Experts say driving is one of the most dangerous daily activities, and it's up to you to decide how much attention you dedicate to the roadway.
Starting Monday, we're asking Central Georgians to hang up, make a pledge, and promise to stop using their cell phones while driving.
President and General Manager of 13WMAZ Jeff Dudley says the project is a chance to make a difference in the Central Georgia community.
"It's simply a matter of saying, 'I want to do everything that I can to be as safe as I can on the roadways,'" says Dudley.
Your part in this project is simple. Just print out the pledge on our website, sign it, and keep it in your vehicle as a reminder to hang up the phone.
We'll also be live on location around Central Georgia if you want to come and sign the pledge in person. Here's where we'll be throughout the week:
- Monday, May 17, Ingles in Gray
- Tuesday, May 18, Flint Energies Field in Houston County
- Wednesday, May 19, Ingles in Forsyth
- Thursday, May 20, West Macon Ball Park
- Friday, May 21, Amstar 16 on Zebulon Road
"We hope that schools and businesses will get involved," Dudley says. "It's a community-wide effort."
It's your shot to make a promise to yourself and to your family, and answer the question: Does using your cell phone while driving put you and others at risk?
"I think you have to answer that question for yourself," says Dudley. "If your answer is 'Yes, I think it does take my focus off the roadways sometimes,' then do something about it. We encourage you to take the pledge."
13WMAZ is kicking off the Great Hang Up with a week-long series of stories on distracted driving.
You can check them out each night on Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.