Did you know?

One small decision can make a HUGE difference in your future and the future of those around you. That decision is if you will text and drive.

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable death among teens in the United States. Many of those accidents are linked to the use of cell phones while driving.

How many times have you picked up your phone while driving and thought; “I’m a safe driver, nothing bad will happen to me.” It doesn’t matter how good of a driver you are, cell phone use while driving will put you and others around you at risk.

Texting while driving is 6 times more dangerous than driving while drunk. It takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds which is long enough to cover a football field while driving at 55 mph.

One in 5 people killed in car crashes were not in vehicles. They were walking, riding bikes or otherwise outside a vehicle.

What can you do?

Make the decision now to put away your phone while you drive.

When you get behind the wheel, disable notifications or put your phone in:

· The glove box

· Your backpack

· The back seat

· The trunk

As a passenger you can speak up for safety and help the driver drive without distractions. You can also be an example of safe driving to others by encouraging family and friends to drive phone-free.

Protect your future.

The choice is yours! Is sending a text worth risking your life or someone else’s life? Is sending that Snapchat more important than your future or the future of the child crossing the street in front of you?

You have a wonderful, bright future ahead of you. Protect it. Encourage others to do the same and together we can end districted driving and save lives.