The Magnolia Police Department (MPD) is looking to initiate a program targeted at distracted drivers and texting while driving.

According to the MPD, driver distraction is linked to 25 percent of crashes. Interactive electronic devices are at the high-risk end of the distraction continuum.

Young drivers ages 16-24 have the highest rates of cell phone and electronic device use, the department stated. Drivers in that age range have approximately double the fatal crash rate of other drivers, according to MPD.

Additionally, the department noted that crashes are more likely to happen as a result of distracted driving caused by electronic devices rather than drinking and driving.

The MPD believes that public engagement and education about the growing issue will make a difference.

Evidence Clerk Vickie Butler-Rindos is spearheading the campaign and has planned the first event to be included in a Stroll event scheduled for Aug. 13.

The Stroll event will be themed as a tailgate party to kick off the school year and football season.

There, MPD plans to present their anti-texting and driving campaign to students and young adults. Along with videos and presentations, MPD will offer pledge cards to young drivers in hopes that they will sign them committing not to text and drive. MPD will offer wrist bands, thumb bands and T-shirts as reminders to not text and drive.

Rindos said the department is planning another event where young drivers will be able to drive a golf cart through an obstacle course to test their ability to drive while distracted. The obstacle course will offer an opportunity for young drivers to see the affects of alcohol as well.

Rindos explained that it is not a single event, but rather a campaign meaning that MPD plans to keep hosting events targeted at distracted driving.

“We’re going to keep going until we see a reduction in traffic accidents,” she said.

MPD aims to host events at a Pre-Renaissance Festival event scheduled for Oct. 1 on the Stroll, as well as National Night Out and the Business Expo on Jan. 26.

Rindos wants to get community members and groups involved. She said she does not want this campaign to solely be the efforts of MPD. She plans to visit with other organizations, such as Rotary, YMCA and the Magnolia Community Foundation.

Police Chief Domingo Ibarra asked members of the city council to sign the anti-texting and driving pledge cards as well.

The Texas Legislature attempted to pass a bill with a similar message in June. House Bill 242 would have made it illegal to for a person to send, read or write a text while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle was stopped.

Gov. Rick Perry vetoed the bill, saying that while texting and driving is irresponsible, HB 242 “is a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults.”

“I believe there is a distinction between overreach of HB 242 and the government’s legitimate role in establishing laws for teenage drivers who are more easily distracted and laws providing further protection to children in school zones,” Perry stated.

However, Perry did agree that further education would be helpful to the issues surrounding texting while driving.

“The key to dissuading drivers of all ages from texting while driving are information and education,” he said. “I recommend additional education on this issue in driving safety and driver’s education courses, public service ads and announcements, and I encourage individuals and organizations that testified in favor of the anti-texting language included in this bill to work with state and local leaders to educate the public of these dangers.”

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