It Can Wait Editorial Contest
It Can Wait Editorial Contest
Contact
Teresa Shaak
foundation@pa-news.org
Phone
717-703-3003

The PNA Foundation is no longer holding this contest
Check with your local news media company, as they may be holding their own variation of this contest; however, prizes –sponsored through a generous grant from AT&T — will not be provided by the PNA Foundation.
About this contest
From 2015-2022, the PNA Foundation joined with AT&T to host statewide “It Can Wait” editorial contests. PNA member newspapers were invited to host local “It Can Wait” editorial contests with local high school students to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Winners were recognized in each participating community and entered into the statewide contest. Over the years, more than 885 students have participated in the contest across Pennsylvania.
Hundreds of thousands of vehicle crashes a year are caused by distracted driving, often involving injuries and death. While 95 percent of people know that distracted driving is dangerous, a majority still admit to using their smartphones while driving. However, more than 50 percent of people are more likely to stop driving distracted if someone pressures them.
“It Can Wait” is a national movement urging drivers to visit AT&T’s website, where they can pledge to care for others and put their phones down while driving, and share their pledges via Twitter (#ItCanWait) and Facebook. Since its launch in 2010, the campaign has helped increase awareness of the dangers of texting while driving to about 90 percent for all audiences surveyed and inspired more than 40 million pledges not to drive distracted.
News Organizations: Hold an “It Can Wait” contest
We encourage you to hold your own local contest asking high school students to write a column or editorial about the dangers of distracted driving; however, prizes will no longer be subsidized by the PNA Foundation.
High School Students: Check with your local news organization to see if they are holding a contest
Be sure to follow their specific rules for entering their contest. The PNA Foundation is no longer holding this contest and prizes will not be subsidized by the PNA Foundation.
Questions? Email the PNA Foundation or phone 717-703-3003.