Be safe: Don't text and drive

Editor's note: The following guest column was the winning entry in the Southeast Missourian's local It Can Wait contest. The student received a prize packet from AT&T, a $25 gas card from Amerimart and a three-month subscription to the Southeast Missourian. The column was forwarded to the state level. The statewide winner received $500.

Texting and driving is like driving the length of a football field blind. Not only is that a danger to the person driving the car, but also the passengers and other vehicles on the road.

At my school we have a club called SADD. It stands for students against distracted driving. I am a member of that club. We promote the Arrive Alive campaign because we want to ensure that all members of our student body stay safe and arrive alive everywhere they go. I am only 14 years old, and I have already signed the never text and drive pledge. It is one of the campaigns SADD does. I signed right when I joined the club because I want to be a safe driver at all times. I am really excited to get my license and drive myself places. I want everyone to be able to trust me to make smart decisions when I am on the road. I do not want to be blinded by texting and driving and cause an accident. Car accidents are very serious. Most accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities. Right now I am living life to the fullest, and I have a really happy life. I don't want to get any injuries that will put my life on hold or end it.

I encourage all students and even their parents to go online and take the never text and drive pledge at itcanwait.com. If parents are setting an example of not texting and driving for their children, their children will be less likely to make the same mistake. Also talk about preventing this danger with your peers. If you all agree to never text and drive it can have a ripple effect. So what are you waiting for? Stop texting and driving today.

Phoebe Pohlman is a freshman at Perryville High School.