Contributed by DRIVE SMART Virginia
Richmond, September 27 –
DRIVE SMART Virginia announces that the Virginia Coalition for Distraction Free Driving has awarded a Virginia legislator for his commitment to increasing safety on Virginia’s roadways by working to strengthen laws against distracted driving. The award was presented during the First Annual Virginia Distracted Driving Summit in Richmond, where more than 300 attendees took advantage of panels related to distracted driving research, corporate liability as well as efforts to reach teen drivers with a safety message.
Delegate Rich Anderson received an award for his dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws in Virginia.
“We recognize legislators who not only realize that distracted driving is dangerous, but are willing to work to strengthen laws against it, said Janet Brooking, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. “Education, strong laws and strong enforcement are the tools we need in Virginia to make a dent in this epidemic and we are grateful to these lawmakers for working in this manner.”
Delegate Anderson’s HB1907 which made texting and driving a primary offense, was signed into law by Governor McDonnell in April, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Fred Perutelli was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Virginia in 2012. His widow Patty Perutelli spoke at the Summit and encouraged everyone to avoid distractions behind the wheel.
“I was pleased to write this bill and move it through the General Assembly and to the Governor on behalf of the Perutelli family and all Virginians who have been hurt by those who text behind the wheel,” Anderson said.
In July, texting and driving became a primary offense in Virginia. The new law includes fines of $125 for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense.
About DRIVE SMART Virginia
DRIVE SMART Virginia, founded in 1995, is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to educating drivers and raising traffic safety awareness in order to save lives and reduce injuries on the roadways of Virginia. Find DRIVE SMART Virginia on Facebook or Twitter.
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