Notre Dame High School students learn about distracted driving dangers

SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Students at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks received a hands-on lesson about the serious dangers behind distracted driving.

The annual event was put on by the California Highway Patrol and the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy as part of National Teen Safe Driving Week.

Students got behind the wheel and drove through an obstacle course with the music blaring, sirens wailing and friends showing them texts and videos from their phones.

"It was kind of crazy. I never knew what distractions could really do to you," said student Sarah Tobo.

That's exactly what the driving test was meant to prove.

According to safety officials, car collisions are the No. 1 killer of teens in the country, and the majority do not involve drugs or alcohol. Distracted driving is mostly to blame.

Four years ago, Conor Lynch was a victim. Jeri Lynch, his mother, grieves to this day.

"I really never thought I'd be standing here talking to you, but I think it is really important that we understand that distracted driving is preventable," Lynch said.

Gonzalo Arranguez agrees. Last year, He was reaching for his cellphone while driving and struck and killed a bicyclist.

"Make the right decisions behind the wheel," said Arranguez, who was sentenced to three years of probation and community service.

A free app called Lifesaver is available for parents looking to keep their young drivers focused. It activates when a vehicle hits 9 mph, preventing any texts or calls from being made.

"If you touch your phone, the display comes on, the screen locks and it reminds you, oh, I can't touch my phone. So, quickly, your behavior changes and you basically leave your phone alone," said Mike Demele with Lifesaver.

Notre Dame High School students are well aware of Conor's story. His death is a constant reminder to make the right choice.

"My son never graduated from Notre Dame High School. All those things that we want our kids to be able to achieve," said his mother.

Although Tuesday's event was geared toward teens, officials say the message against distracted driving applies to everyone on the road.