Dangers of Texting While Driving Initiative-Drive to Live 2009

 

As part of Operation Drive to Live the N.C. State Highway Patrol has created a program to educate teenage drivers about the dangers of texting while driving. During the Texting While Driving Initiative students experience hands-on the consequences of being distracted while driving.

Troopers arrange a traffic cone course and ride with students on a golf cart as they navigate the course while attempting to send text messages on their cell phones. The use of cell phones and texting creates distractions for all drivers especially those that are inexperienced drivers.

A teen can create and send a text message in 10 to 15 seconds. Driving 60 miles per hour covers more than 80 feet per second, one text could equal a tenth of a mile that a driver is not paying attention to their driving.

Effective Dec 1, 2009, it will be violation of North Carolina law to text while operating a motor vehicle on the highway. A conviction could result in a $100 fine and court costs.

A press event will be held on Thursday, October 8, at 12:50 p.m. at Enloe High School in Wake County. State officials will attend the event.

For further information please call Capt. Everett Clendenin at 919-733-5027.