Missoula UPS Drivers Take Pledge

For years, United Parcel Service employees worked under the slogan, “What can Brown do for you?”

With more than 40 Missoula UPS drivers joining in our TXTING KILLS MONTANA–Arrive Alive Don’t Text and Drive campaign by taking a pledge to not text and drive, perhaps the answer is, “Help make Missoula a safer community.”

Although the federal government passed legislation almost a year ago to formally bar commercial truckers and bus drivers from texting while behind the wheel, the law has proven difficult to enforce, and drivers have continued texting on the job despite the threat of being fined up to $2,750.

The federal ban followed the release of a scientific study revealing that when truckers text, they are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident or a close call. Data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates that texting drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds. For a driver traveling at 55 mph, that means covering a distance equal to the length of an entire football field — including end zones — without looking at the road.

The facts are sobering, and it’s hard to imagine that any driver — whether they’re behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler or a compact car — would risk the devastating consequences of driving while distracted. But many people have yet to kick this dangerous habit, which is why we have set out to promote safe driving practices throughout the Missoula community with our TXTING KILLS MONTANA–Arrive Alive Don’t Text and Drive campaign.

“We appreciate that UPS is being proactive to create a safer community, and we thank their drivers for being leaders in our area,” said radio market manager Shawna Batt.

Sarah Kane was also on hand to share her emotional and devastating story with the drivers. (Click on the audio button to hear Sarah speak.)

Individuals, companies and other organizations interested in getting involved with the TXTING KILLS MONTANA–Arrive Alive Don’t Text and Drive campaign should contact Batt at shawnabatt@townsquaremedia.com.

Brooke is a 2010 graduate of The University of Montana, where she ran track and cross country for the Grizzlies. She is currently working as a writer and editor in Missoula.