Austin Prep Students Learn Dangers of Distracted Driving

About 500 students at Austin Preparatory School learned about the dangers of texting and driving during a recent presentation called "It Can Wait," sponsored by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

According to a press release from the District Attorney's Office, distracted driving is the number one killer of teenagers between 16 and 19 years old. Crashes are reportedly 23 times more likely when drivers are texting while driving.

Statistics show that 47 percent of adults have admitted that they have texted while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Joining Ryan during the event at Austin Prep was Reading Police Chief James Cormier, School Resource Officer Corey Santasky and others.

“We hope that the teens gain awareness that texting and driving is the most dangerous form of distracted driving,” Ryan said.  “As District Attorney, I see firsthand the tragic results of distracted driving. These tragedies can be prevented if we all commit to never to texting, emailing or taking our eyes off the road while behind the wheel.”