BUFFALO, NY - Distracted driving is a problem in the Western New York area and Two On Your Side is asking the community to make a difference and sign the Pledge 2 Hang Up.

It's a promise not to talk on your phone without a handsfree device or text while driving.

Over the course of the last three years, eight young people from the Buffalo and Rochester areas have died in distracted driving related crashes. The numbers are much higher on a national level and there are several minor crashes the could have been prevented if the drivers were not using a mobile device while behind the wheel.

Thursday at 5:30, Two On Your Side devoted a half hour of our news programming to focus on distracted driving.  It included:

• A texting while driving road course designed to show you how dangerous it is to use a mobile device while driving.
• A plea from a mother who recently lost a child to distracted driving, not to text or talk on the phone while driving.
• A ride with State Police as they try to enforce the distracted driving laws.
• A look at the apps you can buy to make sure your child does not text while driving.

Visit pledge2hangup.com for more information.

WGRZ