7 Maui Schools Join Campaign to Eliminate Distracted Driving

U Drive U Text U Pay. Logo courtesy National Transportation Safety Board. Image/graphics by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Several public schools in Maui County have joined in a campaign to eliminate distracted driving.

The “STOP if You Love me” campaign runs from Monday, Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. 13, and aims to deter texting and other risky behaviors while inside a vehicle.

It also hopes to create an environment for safer passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

A total of 23 public schools in Hawaiʻi are participating in the effort by creating prevention messages and participating in awareness activities this week.

Maui schools participating in the effort include: Baldwin High; ʻĪao Intermediate; Kekaulike; Kīhei Charter; Kula Elementary; Maui High; and Molokaʻi High.

A survey conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance and National Students Against Destructive Decision revealed that despite 98% of teen drivers understanding that texting is a distraction, 86% admitted to using a cell phone while behind the wheel.

According to the survey, those that stated they never texted while driving, still admitted to texting at a red light or at a stop sign.