CHICAGO (CBS) — A program at Marist High School in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood Tuesday attempted to teach students the lesson that texting while driving can be deadly.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Mike Krauser reports, the program at the school, 4200 W. 115th St., involved one student who texted while driving a simulator in the gym as other students looked on. A simulated crash resulted.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Mike Krauser reports

The students also watched a film, “The Last Text,” illustrating the danger in real life.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office puts on the program. Deputy Sheriff Willie Winters emphasized that texting and driving can be as dangerous as drinking and driving, and “sometimes even worse.”

Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19th) asked for a show of hands among the students, for how many of them had texted while driving.

“God forbid something should happen,” O’Shea said. “The rest of your life, you have that on your conscience.”

Student Ryan Tucker, a new driver, says he got the message.

“I think I’ve seen it – even my dad, I’ve seen my parents text while driving,” he said. “You have to get it out there and teach them what’s right.”

Watch ‘The Last Text:’