Do anti texting and driving campaigns work on teens? - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Do anti texting and driving campaigns work on teens?

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You’ve probably seen the commercials encouraging drivers not to text behind the wheel.

But some young drivers might not be listening to the message.

Some young teen drivers said they don’t do it, but others say despite the commercials and awareness, they still see their peers texting and driving.

Some said it’s tempting because your phone is right there in the car. Others said they’re actually on the lookout for other drivers who are focused on their phone and not the road.

"I always feel like I'm going to get a ticket when I text and drive so I usually don’t," said 17-year-old Taylor Richmond. Richmond has been driving for about two years.

"I think it's normal and they're going to do it regardless of what anybody tells them, that's just how teenagers are," said 19-year-old Adam James. James has been driving for about three years.

"I think it's stupid, I don't know why you would do it, because you're driving your going somewhere, why do you need to text someone," said 16-year-old Amber Bergman. Bergman has been driving for about 3 weeks.

"A lot of teenagers do it whether they say they do or not,” said 19-year-old Jon Winkler. Winkler has been driving for about three years.

Some of the teens say commercials and ads don’t make a lot of difference in putting an end to texting and driving because they don’t think people watch them.

Other teens said when members of law enforcement talk at their school, it can have an impact.

Now would they ever tell their friends to stop texting and driving?

"We usually don't say anything, it's their choice, their car, if they get in a wreck, yeah we're at risk but I don't know it's like a social faux pas," said Richmond.

"I try, I get a little nervous when they do," said Winkler.

"It never comes up ever," said James.

"Probably not because I don't want to make them angry, upset them, I don't want to tell them what to do,” said Bergman.

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