Video: Del. Kaye Kory, AT&T and DriveSmart Host Distracted Driving Event at Stuart High

Del. Kaye Kory (D-38th), AT&T, and representatives from Drive Smart Virginia participated in a distracted driving event at J.E.B. Stuart High School Tuesday morning in Falls Church aimed at exploring the dangers of texting while driving, particularly among young drivers. The event was part of AT&T’s nationwide “It Can Wait” initiative to curb texting while driving.

Watch Kory discuss distracted driving in Virginia, in the video above.

Students and faculty had the opportunity to "drive" a stationary car and text using their phones in a simulator attached to sensors that placed them in a virtual reality. The software, according to AT&T, recreates "real-life driving scenarios including pedestrians crossing the street, red lights, and cars changing lanes on the road."

"I think it was a bit terrifying because the wheel moves much faster and you somehow seem to have less control of [the car]," said Principal Prosperanta Calhoun after trying out the simulator at the event. "It's really showing how much [removing your eyes from the road] affects your driving and how you can do a lot of damage in a short period of time."

Did you know? April is Distracted Driving Month

Currently, texting while driving in Virginia is a secondary offense, which means drivers can only be ticketed if they are stopped by police for another violation. The offense is punishable by a fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for a second or subsequent offense.

Last month, the Senate and the House of Delegates voted to pass similar bills that would make texting and driving a primary offense and increase the fine to $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second. If a driver is charged with reckless driving as a result of texting, there would be a mandatory minimum $500 fine. Police would be allowed to stop and ticket anyone they spot texting while driving. If Gov. Bob McDonnell signs the bills into law, the new fines would take effect July 1.

Watch video above from the simulator and hear Ross Baker with AT&T discuss AT&T's involvement in the program.

Mason District School Board representative Sandy Evans also attended Tuesday's event and spoke with students, along wth representatives from Drive Smart.

AT&T and DRIVE SMART Virginia have partnered together on similar programs in the commonwealth during the past two years. AT&T has two additional Virginia stops planned, in Richmond and Roanoke, over the next two days.