Generation tXt: Tackling distracted driving from a new direction

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Distracted driving is an epidemic on our roadways. And teens are especially at risk--in 2009, the highest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes was under the age of 20.

Luckily, teens across the country are recognizing the dangers and taking a stand against distracted driving.  One such organization is Generation tXt, a youth group based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that is using peer to peer education to get their message out: Texting while driving just isn't cool.

Generation tXt, with help from State Farm, focuses on educating 8th and 9th grade students who can’t wait to get their hands on the wheel. By focusing on this age group they hope to stop bad driving habits before they start.

And this isn’t your standard texting and driving educational program.  One of their most creative tools is a catchy hip-hop music video with lyrics that lay out the potential consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving.

And they're not stopping there.  They're also taking their anti-distraction campaign directly to schools, drivers education classes, and community and faith-based centers in their area.  They've even got their own interactive texting and driving simulator that can help teens learn firsthand just how dangerous distracted driving can be.

There's nothing better than seeing engaged young people take the time to get involved and make their communities safer.  So many thanks to all of the teens working hard at Generation tXt to put an innovative, educational, and youthful spin on our efforts to end distracted driving.

Comments

[Calgary Homes]

Great initiative!

[marsh carroll]

Hope you like my new youtube music video about distracted driving - Won't Start Texting http://t.co/26T0Zvp

[Luke Fretwell]

In the video, the kids are driving without seat belts.

[Vancouver Properties]

Texting is by far one of the most dangeous things to do while you are driving. I was involved in an accident once because my friend was texting. He feels pretty silly to this day, thank goodness it wasn't serious.