We've seen and heard about the dangers of texting behind the wheel, how a situation can take a turn for the worse in a matter of seconds.
One Mitchell man has been through it and his using his experience to educate others, and make a change in the state.
Over and over, Justin Iburg tells about the worst moment of his life. Two years ago, he was 20 years old, took his eyes off the road which, ultimately, changed his life and took the life of a 44 year-old complete stranger.
Iburg was driving his pick-up in September, 2010, on a rural road just east of Mitchell. He got a text message and when he read it, his eyes went off the road and off of the motorcycle in front of him.
Jon Christensen was riding that motorcycle. He was thrown from the bike and killed when Iburg hit him from behind. Iburg was charged with reckless driving and second degree manslaughter. He was ordered to serve time in Davison County, but given an option: Either spend a year in prison, or just 100 days IF he shared his story with, at least, 25 young groups.
He knew that's what he wanted to do.
"Once I started doing them, it seemed like it was part of the heeling process. Felt like the right thing to do. I felt like I can save lives and that's why I continue to do it," Justin Iburg said.
Iburg was required to make 25 presentations to young groups about the dangers of distracted driving. So far, he's done more than 45 and continues to book new groups for the Spring.
At each of the presentations, he hands out small window stickers to be placed on the driver's side window that says "Text Free Vehicle". It's supposed to serve as a reminder of Iburg's story, the dangers of distracted driving and that this could happen to anyone.
Justin Iburg will be traveling to Pierre, Friday, to speak in front of lawmakers about the dangers of texting behind the wheel and urging them to ban the act state-wide.
