Kings Park Students Learn the Dangers of Texting Behind the Wheel

Kings Park High School students recently took a pledge to put their cell phones down and focus on the road in the “X the TXT” campaign.

The event, organized by Chris Reimels, a local agent for Allstate Insurance, taught students about the dangers of texting while driving. Participants added their thumbprints to an oversized pledge banner as symbols of their promises not to text and drive.

The three-day event culminated in an outdoor course where students tried to drive a golf cart safely without distractions. The course was created with sidewalk chalk and cones.

“Everyone is susceptible to distractions behind the wheel,” said Reimels. “Pledging not to text and drive is a simple act that can help ensure those we love to come home safely. No text is worth risking a life.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports driver distraction contributes to 25 percent of all police reported traffic crashes.

A recent Allstate Foundation study found that 49 percent of teens admit to being extremely distracted by texting and instant messaging while driving, but 82 percent of teens still say they use their cell phone behind the wheel.

To make the pledge not to text and drive, or for more information on the “X the TXT” pledge program, visit www.facebook.com/xthetxt.