Crash victim's family backs texting law

JASONVILLE, Ind. (WTHI) - Texting and driving is now outlawed in the Hoosier State.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recently signed that the bill into law that would prohibit both sending and reading messages on your phone while driving.

One Wabash Valley family, believes the move is as important as ever.

Michelle Dawn Wright was killed in an accident almost one year ago.

"She was going from Linton to Spencer, and she was on her cell phone talking to her boyfriend, and you know they did that every morning to make sure she made it there safe, and she got distracted while on the phone there," Shayne Weaver, Wright's uncle said.

Wright then lost control, veering into another lane and hit a semi head on. She was killed in that crash.

Now, her family has a mission.

"I don't want to see anyone else lose their life like that you know. I've realized, I used to text and drive all the time. I've realized it's not worth it," Kerri Roberts, Wright's cousin said.

They're spreading Michelle's story to keep drivers from being distracted on the roads.

They think the new law is a good start, but they hope to see more.

"Michelle did a lot of texting, but she was actually on the phone talking when she had her wreck, so I believe it should be the whole phone," Weaver said.

They hope to keep Michelle's legacy alive, while keeping others alive as well.

The law goes into effect July 1st. If caught texting and driving, you will be fined $500.

Now, News 10 has joined the movement to put an end to texting and driving. Find out how you can be apart of the movement too.