Courtesy of Lincoln Parish School Board
Distracted driving is a prevalent issue, and evidence shows that texting while driving is one of the leading causes of accidents among young drivers. Equipped with this knowledge, Jill Benefield’s dual enrollment math class at Ruston High School set out to highlight the issue using their mathematical skills.
According to statistics, for every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road. Utilizing equations learned in class, The students took this data and calculated the distances traveled at different speeds, highlighting the potential consequences of distracted driving.
For example, at a speed of 25 mph, students determined that a distracted driver would cover a shocking 168.7 feet – (equivalent to the length of 10 giraffes the students noted) – while sending a text message. But they didn’t stop there. Students also determined that under optimal road conditions and with well-maintained vehicles, it takes approximately 29.8 feet for a car traveling at 25 mph to come to a complete stop in an emergency situation, provided the driver is paying attention.
After crunching the numbers, the students didn’t stop at calculations alone. They took their findings and created informative posters that they placed throughout the hallways. To further drive home the message of the distances traveled while texting and driving, the students physically marked these distances along the hallway, starting from a designated point, showcasing the impact of different speeds on distracted driving.
Ms. Benefield expressed her motivation for conducting this project before prom season: “Many students will be on the road with friends, and distraction can be a huge problem. By raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through this project, we hope to empower our students to make safer choices behind the wheel.”
Through this project, Ms. Benefield’s class at Ruston High School has not only demonstrated their academic excellence but also their commitment to promoting road safety and preventing the tragic consequences of distracted driving. Their initiative serves as a shining example of how education can be a catalyst for positive change in our communities.
