Governor Visits Campus, Encourages Students to Take Safe Driver Pledge
FAIRMONT, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today spoke to Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community and Technical College students about the importance of his new legislation banning texting and handheld cellphone use while driving. He also encouraged the students to take his safe driver pledge.
"College students are often considered masters of multitasking. They juggle coursework, family and the jobs that help fund their education," Gov. Tomblin said. "But there's one place where one should never multitask and that's behind the wheel. Unfortunately, cellphones are a real distraction-- a distraction we can't afford on our roadways."
Senate Bill 211, effective July 1, 2012, will make texting while driving a primary driving offense and talking on a handheld cellphone will become a secondary offense. Effective July 1, 2013, talking on a handheld cellphone will be a primary offense. Gov. Tomblin created the safe driver pledge after signing the bill earlier this month. He encourages all West Virginians to sign his safe driver pledge:
I pledge to put my safety and the safety of others first.
I will not text while I am driving b/c it cn w8.
I will always use a hands-free cellphone while driving because I am a responsible driver.
I will do my part in keeping our roadways safe.
The safe driver pledge is available here and online at www.governor.wv.gov.
