Thumbs Down to Texting When Driving

To make their message stand out, they put a ring on it.

Members of the Students Against Destructive Decisions and Peer Leaders handed out thumb rings Wednesday to students during lunch periods.

The rings were an effort to remind students of the dangers of texting while driving, said Grafton High School junior Olivia Padgett. The thumb rings bear the words “Txtng Kills.’’

The rings serve as another reminder that distracted driving _ including texting while driving _ can be deadly, Padgett said.

Most people text with their thumbs, so the placement is “a little reminder,’’ she said.

The distribution of thumb rings was one of several events held last week at the school to remind students to stay safe during a busy season of proms and graduations, she said.

Students also saw a , among other safety-themed activities.

The thumb rings, Padgett said, serve as “one more step to help limit the amount of texting’’ to safe situations.

Some students hear the message. Sophomore Kyle Buck said he turns off his phone when he is driving.

Freshman Frankie Hernandez takes the next safe step: He doesn't have a phone at all.