Texting and driving has become a problem among drivers.

According to NBC News, about 60 percent of teens text while driving and more than 3,000 teens die each year in car crashes caused by texting and driving.

Sophomore Hannah McCann knows texting and driving is not a safe thing to do and explains what she does to try her best and prevent it.

“I know texting and driving is not a safe thing to do but I still end up doing it,” McCann said. “When I drive with a friend I usually ask them to read my text message to me and I will ask them to reply for me. When I am driving by myself, I will usually wait until I come to a stop or when I feel confident to check my phone.”

Washington driving law has a fine of $124 for a first-time offense. Texting and driving laws are considered a “primary” law. A “primary” law is when an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness other violations.

Security guard Gregory Royal does not see teens texting and driving on campus but rather in other places.

“Here at PHS I see kids texting and driving every so often. Most of the time they are usually speeding to try and park to make it to class on time or when they are leaving school,” Royal said. “I mostly see teens texting and driving when I am going through my everyday life rather than being here at school.”

As technology is advancing, texting and driving has become popular in teens and as well as some adults.
Sophomore Ryan Teague admits to texting while driving and explains the temptation behind it.

“Yeah I do text and drive, usually when I am with my friends in the car. They sometimes text and drive too. We all know that could happen if we text and drive we could get into a car accident or worse but it gets really tempting to look at your phone when it rings, knowing you got a text message,” Teague said.

In Washington State, hand-held cellular devices are prohibited due to the dangers it can potentially cause.

“The best way to prevent texting and driving would be to turn your phone off or turn it on silent so you cannot hear your phone ring if you get a text message. That should hopefully help discontinue the temptation to text and drive,” Royal said.