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Columbia (WACH) -- South Carolina Department of Public Safety has partnered with local Subway Restaurants to launch a safety initiative aimed at curbing texting and driving among teens.

Through the initiative is called W8 2 TXT groups will visit several South Carolina schools to urge drivers to wait to send text messages until they have stopped driving.

Monday's stop at Gilbert High School has student like Lexi Kalec thinking twice before texting and driving.

"It's not worth it, my mom especially anyone in my family it wouldn't be worth anyone in my family to put them through having something like that happen," said Kalec.

Lexington Subway owner Heather Hornsby is proud to be a part of an initiative that can help save lives.

"There is not one text or phone call that is too important that you cannot wait to take until you stop driving," said Hornsby.

A study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows drivers who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to crash.

Nationally, car crashes are the leading killer of young drivers.

According to Lance Corporal Brent Kelly last year more than 100 drivers ages 15 to 24 died driving on South Carolina roadways.

"Keep it down or just keep it away from you so if it does ring or if it does go off in that text message then you won't hear it and you won't be tempted to reach down and pick it up," said Kelly.

The driver safety presentations will be held at schools throughout the state where students will receive a green wristband when they take W8 2 TXT pledge.

Click here for information on how to get your school involved in the W8 2 TXT pledge.