It Can Wait

“It Can Wait” Music Video Highlights the Dangers of Texting and Driving

Manassas, Virginia
 

Almost 5,500 people are killed each year due to distracted driving, and the problem is getting worse.  Young, inexperienced drivers have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. Not surprisingly, teens text more than any other age group and the numbers of young drivers who text is only increasing.

In response to this crisis, Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PFSTD) offers a community health initiative designed to educate parents about what they can do to better prepare their teenagers for driving.  It is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia Department of Education, Virginia State Police, and Prince William County Public Schools.

This music video, “It Can Wait” was produced by PFSTD and American Idol-finalist Travis Tucker, a former teacher in Prince William County, Virginia. The music video lets teen drivers know that a call or text can wait. With more portable technology now than ever, driver distractions have risen to unprecedented numbers. Teens (and adults) often expect instant, real-time communication 24 hours-a-day and those desires do not stop just because they get behind the wheel. Many drivers don’t know that taking their eyes and minds off the road and their hands off the wheel to text or talk on the phone is more dangerous than drinking and driving.  The music video shows the deadly consequences of distracted driving.

Virginia law prohibits teens from using their cell phones to talk or text while driving.  However, teens haven’t yet gotten the message that “It Can Wait.”  The Prince William County police and fire departments played a key role in the making of the music video by setting up an accident scene at the Public Safety Training Center  in Nokesville. In the video, police and fire personnel also remind teen drivers that “it can wait.”

Credits

Video Talent
Singer/Pianist - Travis Tucker
Saxophonist - Charlie DiPuma
Driver - Walid Chaya
Girlfriend - Kelsey Davis
Friend - Jason Gardner

Song Production
Lyrics - Travis Tucker
Music/Composition - Travis Tucker, John Hall
Studio Piano - John Hall
Studio Saxophone - Nick Henry
Studio Engineer - Nick Henry

Special Thanks
Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue
Prince William County Police Department

Prince William County Schools Production Crew
Producer - Ben Swecker
Director - Mike Davis
Director - Joe Long
Director/Writer/Editor - Sam Altman
Writer - Matt Fox
Camera – Sam Altman and Mike Davis
Engineer - Bart Young
Distribution - Deanna McAllister
Production Assistants - Anita Biroonak and Gabrielle Altman