Twenty-eight students enrolled in the Department of Communication’s Public Relations Campaigns class created the “Have Bison Pride, Don’t Text and Drive” campaign to inform 5,000 NDSU students about the dangers of texting and driving and obtain 3,000 pledges to not text and drive.

Amy O’Connor, associate professor of communication teaches the class. This is the second year students have selected this issue for the class campaign. “It is important that NDSU students do their part to create a safer community,” said Denise Hagen, a campaign committee member, “by pledging not to text and drive students are acknowledging the dangers and taking responsibility behind the wheel.” The campaign hopes to attract the attention of Oprah Winfrey as part of her No Phone Zone Challenge.

The campaign features guest speakers, pledge cards and the use of social media to create awareness. Nearly 2,000 students pledged not to text and drive. “I am proud of the work my students have done to educate the NDSU community about this important issue,” O’Connor said.