Drive & Text. Are You Next?

ST. CHARLES, MO, April 25, 2012

"Drive and text. Are you next?" If this message strikes an emotional cord, you are probably one of several million Americans who have been impacted by a driver's decision to text and drive. According to a 2011 study conducted by the National Safety Council, 1.2 million auto accidents each year involve a driver using a cell phone and over 200,000 of them can be directly related to texting. Baue Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery of St. Charles, is leading a charge to raise awareness and help curb this growing epidemic.

Missouri is one of 44 states that have an anti-texting law on the books. However, texting is only prohibited to drivers under the age of 21. If a minor is caught operating a vehicle while texting, the maximum penalty they can face is a $200 fine. While Missouri lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would include jail time for drivers that text, it has yet to reach the house floor.

Baue believes the issue of texting and driving should not rest solely in the hands of state legislators, but the entire community. With a desire to support and serve the commonwealth, Baue has decided to display a billboard along highway 370 with this cautionary message: "Drive & txt... Ru nxt??"

"We have devised a simple, yet poignant message that will hopefully resonate in the minds of all Missouri drivers," said Lisa Baue, President of Baue Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery. "It pains us to see so many lives lost as a result of this act. If we can save just one life, it will be worth the effort."

Baue has a long history of community activism. Over the past several years, a similar billboard reminding drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving has resided along the same stretch of highway 370. After a successful multi-year run, they have decided to tackle a new issue that is plaguing the community today.

Baue is committed to making a difference in the St. Charles community. They believe this billboard will not only spread awareness, but save lives.

About Baue Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery
Baue Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery is a third generation family owned company, serving St. Charles County since 1935. With three locations in St. Charles County, Baue is committed to providing the highest standards in quality, caring and sensitive service at the best value to each family it serves before, during and after death.