KID

TOPEKA — As part of this fall’s “Don’t Text #JustDrive” initiative, AT&T’s “It Can Wait” virtual reality simulator will be making stops this week at Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. Kendall Schoenekase, Miss Kansas 2016, will also be on hand at both on-campus events to spread her platform message: “Stay Alive, Don’t Text and Drive.”

The visit of the simulator coincides with the “Don’t Text #JustDrive” initiative from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer, CPA, who challenged Kansas universities last September to see which school could get the most pledges from students, faculty, alumni and fans to stop texting and driving. The pledge contest began September 19 and runs through Tue., November 22.

The simulator is part of the “It Can Wait” movement focused on changing behaviors and educating the public about the dangers of smartphone driving distractions. It allows users to experience an immersive but safe 3-D setting to see the deadly consequences of glancing at a phone while driving.

While most people know that this behavior is dangerous and illegal, 7-in-10 people admit to engaging in smartphone activities while driving. The “It Can Wait” campaign, and the challenge from Commissioner Selzer, aim to spread this message to Kansas drivers.

To take the pledge and support the university of their choice, Kansans should text the following keyword to 50555: for the University of Kansas, text “KU;” for Kansas State University, text “Wildcat;” for Fort Hays State University, text “Tiger;” for Wichita State University, text “Shocker;” for Washburn University, text “Ichabod;” for Pittsburg State University, text “Gorilla;” and for Emporia State University, text “Hornet.”