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Local High School students raise awareness about distracted driving

Working with the police department
Posted at 6:55 PM, May 14, 2019
and last updated 2020-03-10 14:47:07-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — High School students from two local schools joined forces with Tucson police to fight the problem of distracted driving.

In February Tucson Police Public Information Office put out a countywide contest for students to create their own PSA to raise awareness and help save lives. Tanque Verde High senior Cassie Sweet says she's motivated to get the word out.

"I think the motivation is that some kids just don't know that even looking down at your phone can cost somebody their life."

Students had two months to create their masterpiece and a total of 15 submissions were turned in. Choosing a winner was tough so both Palo Verde and Tanque Verde High Schools lead the pack and they were co-winners sharing the top spot.

In the midst of working to raise awareness Cassie also says she had a close call with a distracted driver that had a major impact on how she functions on the road.

"I was in an accident because the driver was distracted and it really affected me and my classmates know that and all of us are really feel strongly about this" Sweet said.

While police and students are making strides when it comes to educating the public about distracted driving, students say drivers still have a long way to go.

"Phones are a wonderful piece of technology but in the car its not needed I think even just looking down at a text or click for a call even with hands free driving it can mean your life" Cassie said