It was a day Justin Iburg will never forget. September, 20, 2010 on a rural road just outside of Mitchell where Iburg looked down to read a text message, taking his eyes off the road and off of the motorcycle in front of him.
He hit and killed 44 year-old Jon Christensen.
It only took just a few seconds in the story of his young life, taking his eyes off the road, but it's a story he tells over and over again.
"I feel guilty I took Jon's life. As a result of what I've done, if I can share my story and prevent another accident from happening, it's worth what I've done and that I've accomplished something. That's what I'm trying to do is save lives," Justin Iburg said.
It wasn't easy, and something Iburg, 22, will never be able to forget, especially when it comes to knowing how dangerous texting and driving really is.
"No one ever warned me about it. Never thought it would happen to me. I'm just the average person, didn't think it was going to happen to me. But it happens so easily, it's getting more and more common," Iburg said.
He says it's time the state makes a change.
"Drinking and driving is a bad thing. Texting and driving is worse because you're taking your eyes off the road. If it was a law, I probably wouldn't have done it. I didn't think twice because I wasn't breaking the law," Iburg said.
Iburg talks to people just a few years younger than he is, hoping to make an impact with his story.
"Going 60 mph, it takes five seconds to go the length of a football field. Five seconds is the length of time to read a text. Most people would consider closing your eyes crazy and reckless. What's the difference between reading a text and closing your eyes? That hits home a lot," Iburg said.
He knows he can't un-do what he's done. What he can do is make each day count.
