Our mobile devices have become so much a part of our lives that many of us would be lost without them. In the palms of our hands, we have the power to text, email, tweet or send a selfie to our friends. We instinctively reach for our cell phones when we hear a ring, chirp or feel the vibration.

How can we fight back against the urge to reach for our smart phone at the wrong time? It’s time to get the #X out and work together towards finally ending texting while driving. By sharing #X on your social networks before you get behind the wheel of a car, you’re letting your friends and family know that you’re about to drive and can’t respond until you safely reach your destination. You can also use #X in a text conversation to pause it until you arrive. You’re also letting your network know you have committed to not text and drive. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is.

Here’s why.

The initial aim of the “It Can Wait” campaign to end texting while driving was to raise awareness about the risks associated with texting behind the wheel. Since then, It Can Wait has evolved into a social movement focused on changing behaviors. And now, we’re shifting our focus to solutions to prevent the behavior with new tools like #X.

What we’ve learned is that when friends and family share their commitment to never text and drive, it makes a difference. Sharing the message that no text is worth a life encourages others to follow suit. Social norm research we sponsored showed that a word from a friend could be a powerful influence on someone's decision not to text and drive. Seventy-eight percent of teens said they're likely not to text and drive if friends tell them it's wrong or stupid.

Now, four years after the first pledge, more than 5 million pledges have been made to never text and drive. More than 2,500 organizations along with tens of thousands of individuals have joined the movement to raise awareness and change behavior. It Can Wait advocates have participated in hundreds of events across the country like school assemblies, civic club meetings and even dance performances.

We’ve also learned that texting while driving isn’t just a fleeting behavior. It’s a habit – a very bad habit that’s hard to break. The good news is that technology can help. Apps like AT&T’s DriveMode are simple to use and help us keep our commitment to never text and drive. When activated, these apps block text messages while you are driving and send responses that let those trying to reach you know you are driving and that you will respond when you arrive at your location. These apps also spread the word, letting others know you are serious about your commitment.

While our efforts have produced results – especially in greater awareness of the problem – we have more to do. I would like to ask all of you to pledge or recommit to never text and drive. Then, take your pledge up a notch. Share your commitment with family and friends both directly and through your social networks by using #X to connect your efforts with those of other advocates and then share #X before you drive to pause the conversation. Let’s “Get the #X Out” together!

Working together, we can share solutions to this problem. We can inspire others to never text and drive.