Don't Text & Drive campaign launches

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Parkview Hospital launched a new public service campaign aimed at keeping teenager drivers focused on the road.

It's called "Don't Text & Drive." The message officials hoped to send is as simple as the title; texting while driving can be a deadly combination.

Allen County Coroner, Dr. Jon Brandenberger has seen the results of texting and driving first hand. That's why he joined Parkview in driving home the important message.

"It may just be a matter of time until that child runs out in front of us, or we got off the road. [We could] hit a pole or lose our life, or kill somebody else," said Brandenberger.

The message hit no one closer to home than Diveeta Thompson of Fort Wayne. Last October, Thompson lost her son, Rodney.

"He was a great kid, so full of life... I would have loved to watch him grow into a man," said Thompson.

The 18 year old Homestead High School student crashed his car while texting on Dicke Road. Thompson's mother said it was her goal to make sure other families don't go through the same pain she has felt.

"I wish I didn't have to learn a lesson in such a detrimental way. My prayer is that my son's death is not in vain. That, through this experience, other kids can learn [as well as] other adults. [I hope] they will make the commitment, the pledge to refrain from texting while driving," said Thompson.

Dozens of local high school students made that promise Tuesday morning. Many signed a pledge board at Parkview's public service campaign launch.

The "Don't Text and Drive" campaign will feature television and radio PSA's, billboards and signage throughout the Glenbrook mall.