Take the "X the Txt" pledge

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - 22News is launching a major campaign against texting while driving. It's called "X the Txt" and we've teamed up with several local businesses; Jerry Rome Nissan , Interstate Towing , O'Connell's Convenience Plus and Country Bank , to spread the word that texting behind the wheel is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.

Like many teens, Nicole Cassesse of Springfield loves to text, but you won't find her doing it behind the wheel. About a year ago, she was in a crash she says was caused by a friend who was texting while driving. "He was texting and all of sudden he looks up and we're on the other side of the road and by the time he realizes we're on the other side of the road and we spun out over three lawns."

Texting while driving has been illegal in Massachusetts for nearly a year and using a cell phone at all is banned for drivers 18-years-old and under.

The penalties are serious, first offense is $100, offenses after that are $500, and you can even lose your license on the first offense.

Just about everyone we talked to say they see it happening all the time. "Twice I've been rear ended by people and both times the cuase of the accident was someone talking on the cell phone," said Norman Barnard of Springfield.

But according to a Boston Herald investigation, in nearly a year's time only 12 teenagers statewide have been taken off the road for violating that ban. That's why awareness is so important.

There are three main types of distraction:

• Visual — taking your eyes off the road
• Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing
   

While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

Other distracting activities include:

• Using a cell phone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a PDA or navigation system
• Watching a video
• Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player

No message or conversation is worth risking a life. To take the "X the Txt" pledge click here .