Mock crash scene has Washington H.S. students thinking twice about texting and driving

MILWAUKEE -- One simple distraction can not only alter your life but also end it or someone else's. That's the message being sent at Washington High School on Saturday, May 7th.

It was a frantic scene on Sherman Boulevard as an ejected body is draped across the hood of a car. Injured passengers are carried away for emergency aid as piercing screams are heard for blocks. It's a scene that unfolded Saturday morning, was a reenactment of a scenario that happens all too often.

"When they are actually texting and driving and not being cautious, they can kill someone, lose their loved ones or go to jail for the rest of their lives for that one decision," said Parents Against Distracted Driving Founder, Cynthia Campbell.

Unfortunately, Campbell knows the tragedy firsthand. She lost her 17-year-old son to a fatal distracted driving crash in 2006.

"What I do is go and reenact his crash. It is a little therapeutic for myself but it also brings awareness to the community so other parents don't have to walk in my shoes and experience what I have," said Campbell.

As the founder of Parents Against Distracted Driving, Campbell wants to empower the community to make smart decisions when behind the wheel.

Before you even pull off, put our phone down so you're not tempted to use it when driving -- and keep your eyes on the road because devastation can happen quickly.

"In five seconds you can clear a football field at 75 miles-per-house. So in five seconds you can really tear a life up," Campbell said

As survivors were taken by Flight for Life during the mock crash, another was taken away in handcuffs, responsible for it all.

"It was shocking. It was a good experience though, getting to watch this in real life," said Jordan Dinsmore, Washington High School 10th grade student.

Meanwhile, one teen paid the ultimate price.

"It's scary. It actually makes you really emotional," said Arlesia Benson, Washington High School 11th grade student.

Emotions Campbell has helped translate to actions.

"It makes me think twice about texting and driving. I know bad things can happen," said Dinsmore.