I’m a Tulsa Kid: Generation tXt – Christy Reis

According to the Tulsa Crime Commission, 21 percent of fatal car crashes in 16- to19-year-old drivers are the result of cell phone usage. A group of concerned and committed Tulsa teens is trying to lower that percentage. Generation tXt is a teen, grassroots, multi-faceted organization focused on educating young teens and families about how to practice safe driving, specifically by addressing the hazards of texting while driving. Edison Preparatory School Senior and Generation tXt member, Christy Reis, said the organization’s number one goal this year is to make Oklahoma the 40th state to pass a universal texting while driving ban.

TK: Why did you become involved in Generation tXt?

Christy: I became involved with Generation tXt because I realized how serious texting while driving really is. Also, being a young driver myself, I thought it was very important to bring awareness to every one of the dangers of texting while driving. I also had learned that car crashes are the number one cause of death for teens.

TK: How does Generation tXt educate fellow students about the hazards of texting while driving?

Christy: Generation tXt is a teen-led program that is involved with multiple schools in the Tulsa area. We speak at local high schools and driving schools about how serious texting while driving is. Our presentations are unique in that they are always given by teens. We use facts and stats, emotional videos of victims of distracted driving accidents, and demonstrations of how hard it is to multi-task. We have also hosted two citywide events for high school students that include distraction games and a driving simulator to replicate the dangers of distracted driving. We have been to statewide student council conventions with our games, simulator, bumper stickers, T-shirts and wristbands.

TK: Do you believe Oklahoma should have a law banning texting while driving?

Christy: Yes, I do believe Oklahoma should have a law banning texting while driving, especially for all ages. It is a very dangerous and serious issue for any age and experience driver. A law against texting and driving coupled with high visibility enforcement campaigns and education has been shown to decrease the incidence of texting while driving. Currently, 39 other states have a universal texting while driving ban. The number one goal for Generation tXt this year is to make Oklahoma the 40th state to pass this law.

TK: How is Generation tXt advocating for an Oklahoma law banning texting while driving?

Christy: Generation tXt currently is collecting signatures of support from constituents across the state for a law against texting while driving to bring to legislators at the capitol. We are helping with a bill that will be authored by Senator Brian Crain called, “It’s Not OK to Text and Drive.” We have more than 500 signatures so far, but need many more to sway our state’s legislators. We also have an online petition, which people can sign. I hope TulsaKids readers will go to our website, www.mygentxt.org, and sign our petition. We will be knocking on lawmakers’ doors and visiting with legislators at the OKC capitol in February to show them how much their constituents care about making Oklahoma’s roads safer.

TK: What can parents do to encourage their children to not text while driving?

Christy: The most important thing parents can do to encourage their children to not text while driving is to set a good example. When children see their parents text in the car, they feel that they will be able to text when they start driving. Children learn by positive examples, so parents should put their phones away in the car.