Park Ridge Police Officer Laura Kappler (far left,) can't bear to look as Maine East High School student, 17-year-old Billy Kounelis of Niles, crashes while trying out the texting while driving a simulator. | Michelle LaVigne ~ Sun-Times Media

Lovidienne Augustin of Skokie receives a "Texting Kills" thumb band after attempting the texting while driving simulator during her lunch period at Maine East High School. | Michelle LaVigne ~ for Sun-Times Media

Maine East 17-year-old Diana Kritzberg of Park Ridge responds to her crash while trying the texting while driving simulator during the school lunch period. | Michelle LaVigne ~ Sun-Times Media

The Park Ridge Police Department partnered with Maine East High School to hold a presentation with a simulator to show students the hazards of texting while driving. | Michelle LaVigne ~ for Sun-Times Media