BPHS students have a huge task to fulfill this week. Every student was asked to take the pledge to not text and drive. This is more than just taking a pledge, it is a competition.

During school and before the football game on Friday, Oct. 3, people will have the opportunity to drive a stationary car while texting, finding directions, and talking on the phone. The driver is able to control the gas and break pedals, and the steering wheel.

Students are also able to enter a contest if they pledge not to text and drive. Once students pledge, they are able to take a selfie with their thumbprint, and email it to [email protected] with their name and school, and it will be posted to their Facebook page, Allstate’s X the TXT. Under the album, “The Allstate X the TXT Contest,” people can vote for their favorite pictures, and the two photos with the most likes will in $250.

Not only is this a contest to win money, it is a contest between schools. We are competing with Mt. Lebanon High School to see which school has more students take the pledge. The winners of the contests will be announced at the football game on Friday, Oct. 3.

When asked how students will learn about the dangers of texting and driving, Dr. J said, “The simulator will provide a stationary experience that will imitate actual driving while texting.  This experience will actually show how reaction time is negatively impacted by the distractions of texting.  As you know, there is a large increase to automobile accidents due to distractions. Allstate was kind enough to provide this experience as well as scholarship money to students and to the school.  It is a true win– a win for all parties that take the time to pledge and take the driving challenge.”

It is important that students learn the dangers of texting and driving. This is a current day issue that affects many people, so students should pledge to put an end to this issue.