A mother whose son was tragically killed after text messaging behind the wheel is sharing his story in hopes it doesn't happen again.
Michael Edward Wolsynuk suffered serious head injuries after his pick-up truck hopped over a raised cement median on the Trans-Canada Highway, and slammed into an oncoming vehicle in January 2009.
The 26-year old was sending a text message at the time. He died in hospital six days later.
"He was my life. I miss him," Debby Bowers says of her son.
"He cut his own life short basically. I just don't want it to happen to anybody else."
Wolsynuk was B.C.'s first fatality linked to texting.
Solicitor General Kash Heed is now leading the charge in a public campaign to stop text messaging before a one-month grace period in the new legislation runs out Feb. 1.
In Victoria Tuesday, police officers issued warnings to drivers who are still breaking B.C.'s new law prohibiting the use of most handheld electronics while driving.
"Cell phone use while driving is the number one cause of driver distraction fatalities in this province," Heed told reporters.
In 13 more days, anyone who breaks the law will receive a ticket for $167.
But the law is more than just about cell phones and texting. These officers want people to know you're not allowed to use any electronic device while driving, meaning no more listening to your iPod and no fiddling with your GPS.
"117 people are killed every year on our roads in British Columbia because someone was not paying attention while driving," Heed said, adding he expects the number to drop this year.
Heed says if there isn't a decrease more driving restrictions may be on the way.
Debby Bowers is just hoping Michael's story will spark people to think before they drive.
"Hopefully it won't take a tragedy to change these people's minds."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty
