by Eduardo Calderon | Staff Writer
As students obtain their driver’s licenses, they would do well to be aware of the danger that lies in texting while driving.
“You can hurt yourself and everyone around you if you text when you’re driving,” junior Melissa Brady said.
Due to campaigns, many students boast a more complete understanding of the threats brought on my such risky behavior.
“Phones are a distraction. You’re not paying attention to the road when you’re texting,” junior Brian Miller said. “It can cause a collision that could lead to death.”
Johnson has started an event to combat the tendency to text while in transit.
“There will be a NASCAR simulator at the ROTC field, on Tuesday, November 1st, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM,” junior Brittany Cordell said. “It’s hosted by the student council.”
Beside the simulator, there will be many more activities on the ROTC field. Official statements announced that there will be a driving simulator, a NASCAR show car, games and prizes. Participation in the simulator is limited.
“You must enter a drawing. If you’re drawn, you participate. There’s only going to be 80 kids drawn,” Cordell said.
To enter the drawing, certain applicant conditions must be met.
“It’s only juniors and seniors; [those] who can drive,” Cordell said, “Sign-up is during their lunches, and they must show their driver’s license.”
The simulator gives a real first-hand experience of driving while you’re texting, in a safe environment.
“Students go in [the simulator], and when they’re driving, they’re getting texts,” art teacher Lisa Mittler said. “It simulates texting while driving, and how unexpected driving can be with a phone.”
Though many programs are fighting the use of phones while driving, society’s standard doesn’t seem to condemn the offenders.
“People are way too involved in their social life. They think their phone is more important than the law,” Miller said.
Overconfidence can make people act in ways they usually would not.
“People may believe they’re a good enough driver to text, but the dangers are the same for everyone,” Miller said.
If laws can’t stop drivers from using their phones, then adapting to the problem might prevent it.
“There is technology that will read the text to you, and can make a text from your voice,” Brady said. “When texting becomes a major danger, everyone will go to this, because technology is supposed to improve lives.”
