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SALT LAKE CITY -- KSL's Cell Phone-Free car challenge motivated many viewers to take the pledge themselves. No talking, no texting while driving for one week. Unlike our first group, not everyone this time had a positive ending.
"When I read the challenge online at KSL, I thought that's a challenge I need to take," Angie Bennion said.
Hunter Sheedy had a similar story.
"I saw the pledge on the website, and I thought what the heck?" Sheedy said.
They saw our first cell phone challenge, where Layton PTA moms agreed to put down their cell phones while driving. The reaction was so unanimously positive, viewers took our online pledge on their own.
"I've been trying to do this on my own for probably about a year and not been successful. So I saw the pledge and thought maybe this would work," Jill Johnson said.
A near crash prompted Johnson to take the challenge. Bennion put her daughter's picture on her cell phone wallpaper as a reminder.
"I've picked it up several times, and I see that little face, and I quickly hang up instead of dialing," Bennion said.
The challenge re-affirmed what Sheedy already does.
"It's just so easy to just turn the phone off and pay attention to what you are doing," he said.
Though Johnson admits she didn't last the entire week, she's committed to continue trying.
"For me, it would be a lot easier if the state made it a law to not use your cell phones while you're driving," she said.
Thanks to all those who took the challenge. We hope it helps more of us Stay Safe.
E-mail: dwimmer@ksl.com
