Newspapers sponsoring essay contest on texting

Texting while driving is involved in more than 200,000 crashes each year, often resulting in injuries and deaths, according to the National Safety Council.

New research suggests as many as 70 percent of drivers may engage in smartphone activities while behind the wheel.

Missouri is one of four states without a full statewide anti-texting and driving ban. States without a comprehensive ban have a roughly 17 percent higher rate of texting while driving than the rest of the nation, according to recent data.

Central Missouri Newspapers - which includes the "Jefferson City News Tribune," the "Fulton Sun" and the "California Democrat" has joined the Missouri Press Association and AT&T in challenging Missouri middle school and high school students to write an editorial or opinion column convincing the Missouri General Assembly to join 46 other states and adopt a statewide anti-texting while driving ban that applies to all drivers in 2017.

The column:

Will answer the question - "Why should the Missouri General Assembly update the state's law to make texting while driving illegal for all drivers - not just for those 21 and younger?"

Highlight the dangers of engaging in smartphone activities like texting, using social media and taking pictures while driving.

Must include the following call to action - "Take the pledge to keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone at ItCanWait.com"

The Central Missouri contest is open to all students enrolled in public or private middle schools and high schools in Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, Osage, Miller and Morgan counties.

Entries may be submitted by email to [email protected]; the deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Winners of the Central Missouri contest will advance to the statewide contest, where the winner of the high school competition will win $1,000 and the middle school winner will receive $500. Statewide winners will also receive a tour of the MU School of Journalism and the MPA Office, as well as dinner with the leadership of AT&T, the MPA and their local newspaper publisher.