"Talking on cell phones isn't the only distraction that causes distracted driving. The explosion of text messaging has created a new problem. The recent tragedy in Canandaigua highlights how deadly the combination of texting and driver inexperience can be. We owe it to the families of these young people to pass this bill now," said Marcellino.
According to police, text messages were sent and received on a 17-year-old driver's cell phone moments before their sport utility vehicle slammed head-on into a truck, killing her and four other recent high school graduates. Police also noted that routine tests ruled out alcohol as a factor in the crash and they don't suspect drug use was involved.
According to a recent Zogby Poll, 66 percent of people between 18-24 send text messages while behind the wheel.
"Text messaging is like second nature to young people. They do it all the time," said the senator. "However, there are times when the consequences of texting can be deadly. The deaths of these five young people from Fairport illustrates this danger. What is truly sad is that these young women had their entire lives in front of them. To have their bright futures snuffed out by a message is very sad. Now, is the time to end texting while driving before more of our young people become victims of distracted driving," concluded Marcellino.
