County Democrats work to improve public safety

Recently, the Schenectady County Legislature has passed a local law sponsored by Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage to ban text messaging while driving. The new law will go into effect on March 1 and carry a $150 fine per offense.

“This is an important public safety issue,” said Chair Savage. “Research has shown the dangers of driver distractions so it is important that we have legislation that will prevent a deadly accident before it happens. I also hope this will raise awareness to this dangerous and deadly behavior. Before the New York State seatbelt law, most drivers knew it was a good idea to wear one, but only 17 percent of drivers were motivated to change their old habits. Now, 89 percent of drivers in New York State wear their seatbelts.”

A supporter of the law, local Democratic activist Tom Bellick points out, "While this law seems like common sense, the need is very real. In Washington, a 53-year-old driver who was checking his email caused a five-car pileup near Seattle. In California, a 46-year-old train engineer was sending and receiving a text message prior to a collision that led to 25 fatalities, and 130 injuries. Closer to home, just over a year ago in Monroe County, five teenage girls were killed in a tragic car crash which authorities have said could be linked to text messaging." Click here for more news coverage.