How a Text Message Can Save a Life

America is in the midst of text messaging mania. More than just a popular means of communicating, text messaging can also be the best way to contact someone in times of emergency, such as when severe weather strikes or when critical information needs to be passed along quickly to a large group of people. They're also an invaluable child safety tool, as text messages are an integral part of the Wireless AMBER Alerts program. Moreover, 94% of all text messages are opened and read, something that is crucial in light of the recent tragedies at Virginia Tech and in tornado ravaged Greensburg, Kansas.

Did you know?

1. According to the latest survey from CTIA-The Wireless Association?, 158 billion text messages were sent in 2006, which is up 95% from 2005. This translates into approximately 300,000 text messages per minute.
2. Text messaging equips wireless consumers with a unique safety tool that enables people to respond to emergency situations almost no matter where they are.
3. The amount of data in a text message is significantly less than that which is in a digital phone call.
4. When disasters strike and communications networks might be challenged, or if network coverage is difficult in a remote area, text messages can be the most effective way to communicate via your wireless device.

John Walls of CTIA --The Wireless Association is joined by Brittney Cozart to educate viewers on the values of text messaging. Cozart was involved in a plane crash in October 2005 and used text messaging to notify her mother of the remote location of the plane's wreckage. She is living testament that text messaging can save a life.

Via: CTIA-The Wireless Association press-release