Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I – Merrick) today reminded his constituents that the law banning texting while driving goes into effect this Sunday, November 1. The bill was passed through the legislature and signed into law in order to supplement the current state law which bans the use of a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving.

“I fully supported this law because there isn’t a day that goes by without seeing people, particularly young adults, driving while texting or talking on a phone,” said Assemblyman McDonough. “Although the police can’t stop everyone who violates this new law, it is important to raise awareness of the dangers that texting while driving cause, particularly with new drivers without the experience to have quality driving habits established. It is my hope that parents will take this time to review safe driving skills with their children so that we can prevent accidents in the future.”

The law was written following a tragic accident in 2007 that claimed the lives of five young teens from Fairport, NY, after the driver lost control of the vehicle while texting and struck a tractor trailer. The law also was inspired by a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, which showed that a crash is 23 times more likely if the driver of the vehicle is texting.

Drivers caught texting while driving will face a fine up to $150 if they are texting while driving. The law also prohibits the use of other handheld devices or laptops to send text messages or read, view or transmit images or data while a vehicle is moving. Although the law bans texting while driving, law enforcement officials can only issue a ticket for the violation if the driver is guilty of another moving violation, such as speeding or an unsafe lane change.

“I am currently working with my colleagues in order to strengthen this law and close a loophole which I think could prevent proper enforcement of the law’s intention,” continued Assemblyman McDonough.