Cellphones have been lambasted for their impeding of drivers since they became widespread. Many states have instituted laws requiring hands-free devices while driving and studies have shown that the mental distraction of talking on a cellphone is no worse than having a conversation with someone present in the car. Generally the most dangerous group on the road are teenage drivers, prone to reckless thinking and lacking the experience of seasoned drivers.

One of the biggest trends amongst teens and young adults these days is text messaging. It’s the instant messaging generation taken wireless and they’re taking it on the road as well. Parents are of course concerned, so the National Organization for Youth Safety is sponsoring a contest challenging schools to teach their students how dangerous texting while driving is.

Colorado’s Vail Christian High School is going about this in a manner that is likely to get their attention: by having students play Mario Kart while attempting to read and send text messages. As you might expect students are using the Wii wheel to simulated a somewhat realistic driving experience. If this program works we’ll soon be seeing teenagers who avoid the temptation of on-road texting and gaze fearfully at their rear-view mirror every few moments, watching out for blue shells.