Traffic safety agency targets individual Twitter users over texting while driving

A federal agency responsible for automotive safety is taking a different approach to reach drivers who may be glued to their phones: singling out Twitter users who mention texting while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday went on a social blitz promoting its message to end distracted driving, scolding people on Twitter who said they text and drive and applauding those who have vowed to stop.

Not really a laugh out loud matter, @_BankrollAJ. Do everyone a favor (yourself included) and get off your phone while driving. #justdrive

— NHTSA (@NHTSAgov) April 22, 2016

With age doesn’t always come wisdom, @FelixKaanon. Be your own example, put the phone down, and #justdrive.

— NHTSA (@NHTSAgov) April 22, 2016

Just based off that, they sound like a keeper to us, @LauraAWarman. Next time speak up, keep the phone down, and #justdrive.

— NHTSA (@NHTSAgov) April 22, 2016

Except in real life, you actually have to control the car you’re riding in, @drunkcollegekid. Put down the phone and #justdrive.

— NHTSA (@NHTSAgov) April 22, 2016

{mosads}Evidence shows that cell phone use while driving is more prevalent among younger drivers.

Drivers in their 20s make up 23 percent of all drivers involved fatal crashes, but also make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers and 38 percent of the distracted drivers who were using cell phones in fatal crashes, according to the NHTSA.

The Department of Transportation has been leading the charge to stop cell phone use behind the wheel. Since 2009, the agency has held two national distracted driving summits, prohibited texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers and launched numerous campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue.