TLHCA

Police Remind “Don’t Text and Drive”

From Captain Frantz Desamour, Arlington County Police Department:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2009
MEDIA CONTACTS:  Det. Crystal Nosal, 703-228-4331

It is not only dangerous, but it is now illegal

ARLINGTON, VA. – The Arlington County Police Department is reminding drivers to pay full time and attention while behind the wheel.  House Bill 1876 goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.  The new law not only prohibits drivers from sending text messages while driving, but reading them too.  The new charge is punishable by a fine of $20.00 for the first offense and $50.00 for additional infractions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction (from any source) contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported crashes.  For a more information regarding Virginia laws that go into effect on July 1, 2009, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/.

Detective Crystal L. Nosal #1187
Media Relations/Legislative Affairs
Arlington County Police Department
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-4331
cnosal@arlingtonva.us