Nats Player Discusses Distracted Driving at McLean High

MCLEAN, VA -- Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman spoke at McLean High School Wednesday about distracted driving.

Zimmerman has partnered with Transurban's new “Phones Down. Home Run.” campaign that launched at McLean High School.

The campaign helps to visualize the dangers of distracted driving by stating that a homerun travels 400 feet in five seconds. That's the same as a car going 55 mph while the driver looks down at their phones.

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Zimmerman told students one in five fatal crashes can be blamed on distracted driving, a "crazy" number that he wants to see change. "If you're a young athlete you know how frustrating it can be to mess up during a game. During the game of course if you mess up, you usually get another chance," he said.

At McLean, a large number of students admitted to using phones behind the wheel. On the last Fairfax County Youth Survey, 48 percent of McLean High School students said they used their phones while driving. Texting while driving is banned in Virginia, among many other states.

Students took a "No Phones" pledge at the event. WTOP reported students saying they've learned from the event, “focus when you’re on the road” and “no text is worth your life.”

Learn more about the "Phones Down. Home Run." campaign online.

Image via Youtube screenshot