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NAPLES- 5 seconds...that's how long an average driver takes their eyes off the road when they text. It's a brief distraction that can cause a lifetime of heartache.

Four In Your Corner's Julie Salomone shares one woman's tragic story and how a new campaign aims to curb the potentially deadly habit.

Last year, 19-year-old Chelsey Murphy spent days in a coma, but never woke up.The Naples teen was hit by a car. The driver was distracted on his cell phone. Chelsey was hit crossing the street.

"He had a green light, but he wasn't paying attention. He ended up hitting her and her friend going 45 mph," said Kristin Murphy, Chelsey's mom.

Chelsey's mom just wants people to put down the phone. She's dedicated to sharing her daughter's story by doing things like appearing in the Department of Transportation public service announcements.

On Friday, the Sheriff's office getting involved too. They launched its "Stay focused: Don't text and drive" campaign.The Sheriff's Office teaming up with AAA and a local professional race car driver, Michael Cenzi.

In 2009, more than 5,000 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, according to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration.

The Sheriff's Office is now seeking and supporting any legislation next session that would ban texting while driving.

"We know that 80 percent of crashes are caused by distracted driving," said Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

Kristin says the public service announcements are good, but not good enough.

"More needs to be done. More people need to speak out. I like to speak to schools. I like to teach drivers ED classes."

Kristin says Florida has been a tough state to convince banning cells in cars, but urges you to write to lawmakers, encouraging them to make it illegal.

This campaign by the Sheriff's Office will be promoted at speaking engagements at high schools around Collier County.

Julie Salomone
Fox 4
jsalomone@fox4now.com