VCSC starts distracted driving program

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Texting and Driving is outlawed in Indiana and Illinois, as well as many other states across the country.

Even so, one local school corporation wants to remind students of the dangers of it.

Multitasking is not a new phenomenon. In today's world, drivers aim to do anything but just drive, which why the Vigo County School Corporation wants students to know of the dangers.

"It's really important that we send this message out early," Curriculum Coordinator Holly Pies said.

This message isn't just about texting though. It's about everything.

"We want students to understand the dangers of any type of distracted driving,” the Vigo County School Corporation’s Ray Azar said. “It's not just texting, but fooling around with the radio, looking at a building."

Friday’s training for health teachers gave them a chance to ask questions and preview the material.

Lessons like this can surprisingly be taught at any age.

"If we can help promote our healthy choices now when the children are young, then we hope they will continue to make those healthy choices when they grow up,” Pies said. "So that when they do get a license, they are aware of what safe driving is all about."

This campaign may start with the students, but it doesn’t end there.

"Texting and driving is not just youth,” Azar explained. “It's for anyone who drives to make sure they drive safely."

"With students, they take a lot home so if we promote it here, it'll spread through the community," Pies added.

An early chance for what's becoming Generation Text to pass on the message.

"We have to get the message across so it's not just sitting on the shelf.”

The Vigo County School Corporation is using work from the non-profit National Road Safety Foundation.

To find out more about the organization, click here .