Texting while driving has become a popular habit adopted by teenagers and adults across America over the past couple of years.

Kramer International, a group that brings driving simulators to campuses around the world, helped bring awareness about the hazards of cell phone usage while driving, to students on the Winona State University campus Wednesday afternoon.

One of the many statistics shown was drivers using cell phones have slower reaction times than drivers impaired by alcohol.

Driving simulators were available for students to experience similar effects that texting and driving has on a driver. 

“It only took seconds to realize I was veering off the road which was scary,” said senior WSU student Sarah Christiaansen after participating in the simulation.  

Christiaansen admitted that she is guilty of texting and driving occasionally, when it is an important text message, but will usually wait until she is at a stop sign or parked. She also said that the simulation was similar to the real life experience, but in reality a driver has more control over their vehicle.  

Another statistic that was emphasized to students was that texting while driving may look harmless but it’s been known to kill thousands. 

“Until you have someone in the same age group talk to you about an issue that is as important as this one, it really helps to bring it home,” said Sean Medina, texting and driving awareness advocate. 

“Even after seeing and hearing all of the horrific accidents texting and driving can cause, some people just still don’t understand the effects that it can have on someone until it happens to them,” said Medina. “Hopefully they don’t let it get that far.”

Medina continues to travel the world with Kramer International, bringing awareness to adults and teenagers about the dangerous effects that this growing problem has on its victims.