JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Cones set up as barriers and inflatable balloons representing people taught young drivers in Mississippi an important lesson about staying alive behind the wheel.
"At times it got a little difficult I ran over a couple of cones," said 19 year-old driver Greg Thompson.
Thompson participated in Allstate Insurance Company's "Safe Driving Challenge."
The course was set up to teach teen's defensive driving techniques and the importance of not driving while distracted. Thompson admits he's working on his driving habits.
"At a stoplight I'll always text or get on the phone or whatever," said Thompson.
You're nine times more likely to get into a car accident by simply reaching for your phone in the car. When you're texting and driving that makes you 23 times more likely to get into a crash."
In 2010, 95 young people in Mississippi lost their lives in car crashes. Graduated drivers license laws in the state give teens more experience behind the wheel. However, safety advocates said the state should enforce even stronger legislation, like requiring teens to wait until they're 16 to get a driver's permit.
"Just putting stronger GDL laws in place could cut the number of teens that are killed every year in half," said Allison Hatcher, a regional spokesperson for Allstate Insurance.
After one drive through the course, Thompson said he's determined to make some changes on the road.
"Put the phone down, I won't text until I get home or to a secure location," said Thompson.
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