Teens take on a driving simulator

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - The dangers of texting and driving become more apparent every day. At a local high school Tuesday afternoon, students were shown just how dangerous distracted driving can be.

West Seneca West students know a lot about this issue, thanks to Kelly Klein who works at the school. She lost her son, A.J., to driving while texting. On Tuesday, students spoke openly and honestly.

Evan Kennedy slid into the driver seat, one hand on the wheel, the other on a simulated cell phone. He and his friends found out within seconds just how dangerous texting while driving can be.

Kennedy said, "Don't text and drive the message is."

The texting while driving simulator was brought in by Nationwide Insurance and Kiss 98.5 to remind students about the dangers of distracted driving. Nowadays, teens send thousands of texts a month.

Nationwide spokesman Michael Granica said, "If we can save one life from texting and driving, we accomplished our goal."

Statistics show that nearly half of all 16 and 17-year-olds admit they text while driving. Matthew Chapman was one of the few who fessed up.

"I'm not going to lie about it cause a lot of kids text our age and no one wants to admit it," said Chapman.

Mike Jones recently learned a valuable lesson.

Jones said, "Well, this past month I got caught for texting and driving and I got docked, it would have been two points, but luckily my uncle helped me out. It was a stupid mistake on my part."

Other students shared their fears about being in a car with a texting driver.

Shane Hunsburger said, "My mom does it and it bothers me. She goes off road and she has to come back on the road. It's scary sometimes."

Arnajae Pierce said, "My uncle, he was driving and texting, and went into the railing and his wheel fell off."

Samantha Piechowiak said, "They're really distracted not paying attention and their eyes are all over the place; it's scary. I definitely can't text and drive."

News 4 has also launched a campaign, called "Thnk B4 U Txt." Many of us are wearing thumb bands, as a reminder not to text while driving. Join here and find out where you can get your free thumb bands.