Mock Crash Shows Monett Students Dangers of Texting and Driving

MONETT, Mo. -- "Well honestly yeah, I do text and drive. I don't do it often, but yeah I do," states Alanzo Meza, Monett High School Senior.

Alanzo Meza is one of many teens who admit to texting and driving, but after today, Meza says he'll think twice.

"I was ejected through a windshield on the passenger side," states Meza.

But no blood was shed in the process. Alanzo got all made up for a school wide demonstration.

"We had a mock car accident this morning and before hand we had some presenters come in and talk about some of the dangers of being distracted, drowsy, drunk, or distracted driving, the 3 D'S." states Amy Sampson, MHS English Teacher.

Afterwards MHS students got a look at just how dangerous the 3 D's are. Watching emergency responders and classmates emulate tragedy had a profound effect on the students.

"Realize that anything could happen. Once you are texting you could possibly crash, it's something that could actually happen to anybody," states Meza.

"When we were done, the kids went back inside and we watched a video documentary called "it can wait", and then afterwards we revealed to them that the parents from the video who had lost the daughter Mariah, were actually the presenters," states Sampson.

The 2 hour school presentation was a lesson Sampson says her student's won't soon forget.

"650 Kids, silently watching a mom tell them, I lost my daughter. I think that right there is about as effective as it gets," states Sampson.

Students also signed a pledge not to text and drive, and in return got these bright orange thumb rings to wear in the car as a reminder of that commitment.