Two local police forces are using thumb rings with a catchy phrase to try to drive an important message home to young drivers.
South Simcoe Police and Rama Police will be handing out the brightly coloured rings with the phrase “W8 2 TEXT” on them, reminding drivers to stay off their phones while behind the wheel.
Next week, more than 1,000 of the rings will be distributed to high school students and other drivers.
South Simcoe Police say distracted driving is a major factor in accidents.
This year alone in the communities they patrol, Bradford and Innisfil, 81 people have been charged with distracted driving.
South Simcoe Police Special Constable Karen Markus, who came up with the idea, says it’s hoped the thumb rings will be an effective way to reach young drivers.
“When they are using their handheld device they are using their thumbs,” she said. “We're hoping that this message, right on their thumb, will remind them that they can text later.”
