'Texting Can and Should Wait' When Driving

The following is a press release from the Woodbridge First Selectman's Office.

Woodbridge First Selectman Ellen Scalettar issued a proclamation on behalf of the Board of Selectmen designating Sept. 19 as “No Texting While Driving Awareness Day” and called for Woodbridge residents to take the pledge to never text and drive.

“Text messaging has become the way many people communicate today, which means some people are doing it at the worst possible time – while driving,” said First Selectman Scalettar. “We need to help spread the message and educate our community that when it comes to driving, texting can and should wait.”

Woodbridge Police Chief Gene Marcucci, who was on hand for the signing of the proclamation, said, “We have seen the results of distracted driving here in our community – talking on cell phones and also texting while driving has been a contributing factor in several automobile accidents and has resulted in serious injuries right here in Woodbridge. We all must be careful and fully engage in the demands of driving while we are behind the wheel. Don’t distract yourself, even for a moment.”

According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, those who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in some type of safety critical event as compared to those drivers who don’t text while they drive. Texting while driving is involved in over 100,000 motor vehicles crashes each year, often causing injuries and deaths.

At their September meeting, the members of the Woodbridge Board of Selectmen took the no-texting-and-driving pledge as they discussed the vote to approve the issuance of the Town proclamation. It was noted that there are resources online for the public to also take this pledge and share information with friends through email and on social media to help increase awareness. 

For additional information, visit: www.att.com/itcanwait