“ here”

That was the final text message sent by Spring Grove Area High School student Ashlyn Stambaugh as she failed to negotiate a curve in the road and struck a utility pole on March 27, 2015. She died two days later. Ashlyn’s final text was intended for a friend who was awaiting her arrival just down the street from the crash site. Ashlyn’s family believes her death was due to texting and driving.

Texting while driving causes 1.6 million accidents per year nationally (nearly 25% of ALL car accidents), resulting in 11 teen deaths every single day.* To help stem this deadly trend, Ashlyn’s family and friends from Spring Grove Area HS have joined State Farm, WellSpan Health, and the York Area Highway Safety Council’s Safe Teen Driving Committee in launching Here… but Driving, a new campaign that they believe will help drivers avoid the temptation to text or accept phone calls while driving.

Dallastown Area School District would like to encourage all drivers – especially our student drivers – to take the Here…but Driving three-part pledge:

• Spread the word about the Here…but Driving campaign – Talk, share, and tweet!
• Download a cellphone app that will block calls and send automatic messages while you’re driving. Here… but Driving recommends the following apps: AT&T Drive Mode, Sprint Drive First, Verizon Safely Go, or T-Mobile DriveSmart.
• Sign a pledge card and submit it to Here… but Driving via mail, email, www.facebook.com/herebutdriving, or www.twitter.com/herebutdriving. You can also complete your pledge card online at the Here… but Driving website. Pledge cards serve as entries for monthly prize drawings. 

Please follow this link to read the original news release for the Here… but Driving campaign!

* http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats