Vodacom is launching a campaign to create awareness around the dangers of texting while driving. The W8_2send (“wait to send”) campaign is centred on a game that can be played on a desktop PC or mobile device.

The game challenges players to manoeuvre an animated car by tilting their smartphones or using the arrow keys on their keyboards.

At the same time, they will have to type the answers to various questions. Once played, the game then prompts players to take the pledge to W8_2send by sharing a message with their friends and family via Facebook or Twitter.

Vodacom says the campaign has been designed with the youth in mind.

Texting and driving can keep your eyes off the road for as much as five seconds at a time. At 120km/h, a car would travel a distance equivalent to more than one and a half rugby fields during that five seconds of distraction.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that people are 23 times more likely to crash if texting while driving.

“We want to ensure our customers are aware of the risk,” said Vodacom chief officer of corporate affairs Maya Makanjee. “The W8_2send game is an engaging way to demonstrate this. Its purpose is to create a memorable experience that will make people think twice before they tweet, post or text on the road.”

The W8_2send website also has statistics on texting and driving and has useful tips and links to apps to help people from refraining from texting while driving.

“We originally launched W8_2send to our employees earlier this year and from there decided to extend it to our customers. We are also currently engaging with other industry players as well as government to look at ways in which we can partner to ensure that the W8_2send message reaches as many South Africans as possible.” — © 2014 NewsCentral Media