The Student Government Association partnered with AT&T to host an "It Can Wait" table designed to prevent texting while driving at University Weekend on Saturday.
Students and their families were able to look at statistics on texting-related accidents and pledge to not text while driving.
"We partnered with AT&T to bring new technology to campus this year," SGA's academic affairs Chairman Drew Holden said. "As a community where so many of us appreciate and rely on technology, it is important that we also emphasize responsible and safe use of that technology."
The event generated more than 30 pledges in the first hour alone. That number grew throughout the day.
The national campaign is aimed primarily at young adults who, according to the AT&T website, are at the greatest risk of injury due to texting while driving.
"Many young adults today text and drive and don't think of the potential consequences that can come along with it," SGA Sen. Kenneth Larivee said.
"I am encouraging all Seton Hall members to participate in the 'It Can Wait' pledge because I believe that as a community of student leaders we should be able to set the example for our generation to not text and drive, and to think before answering that text," he added.
In addition to encouraging students to take the pledge, the event also engaged participants in a practical simulation.
Students were able to synchronize their phones with computers to perform a variety of tasks in a virtual car while texting.
"Texting while driving is a menace to our society," SGA President Joe Donato said. "It's a great cause."
Holden stressed the importance of not letting the message stop at the table.
Those who took the pledge were encouraged to continue to get the word out via Facebook, Twitter and other social networking outlets.
"It's about spreading the word," he said.
AT&T has encouraged similar events at schools throughout the country.
The campaign also features a documentary titled "The Last Text," in-game announcements at athletic events, messages for student leaders to relay to their peers and a series of fliers, banners and TV commercials aimed at lowering the number of texting-related accidents and fatalities.
Joseph Grogan can be reached at joseph.grogan@student.shu.edu.
