Man who lost daughter talks to students about texting while driving

SARASOTA (FOX13) - He has given the talk dozens of times, if not more. Yet Steve Augello remains on a mission.

"People don't understand how dangerous it is when you text and drive," he said.

In November of 2008, Augello got a daily call from his 17-year old-daughter Alessandra saying she was just leaving her high school.

She should have been home in a few minutes, but one day Alessandra never showed up.

"It was over a half hour when I started to worry," Augello said.

Augello and his wife jumped in their car and searched for her. Just a short distance from their home, they found Alessandra's mangled car.

"It was a total wreck. They had to cut her out. It was crushed on the driver's side," Augello said.

His daughter had been hit and killed by a woman who was texting while driving. Augello's life was turned upside down.

"It is important to me that I reach out to these kids and when I see I effected one kid, I know I've done my job," he said.

Now he partners with AT&T to highlight what can happen. Students like 18-year-old Deborah Abt sit through a simulation of a person who is texting behind the wheel.

"It was very emotional. Very emotional," Abt said.

It is as real of an experience as it can get.

"I have been in an accident before. My dad was texting," said Abt.

That sometimes hits too close to home.

"I feel like everyone should do that simulator. Just the whole thing makes you emotional," she said.

Augello's mission is far from over. He has spoken to thousands of students, but hopes his message and Alessandra's story will make others aware.

"Don't be in my shoes. Don't lose someone because of texting and driving. It's not that important," he said.