News

September 26, 2013
DRIVE SMART® Virginia Announces Leadership Awards to Virginia Lawmakers
Awards were presented at the First Annual Virginia Distracted Driving Summit

RICHMOND — DRIVE SMART Virginia announces that the Virginia Coalition for Distraction Free Driving has awarded 11 Virginia legislators for their commitment to increasing safety on Virginia's roadways by working to strengthen laws against distracted driving. The awards were presented during the First Annual Virginia Distracted Driving Summit in Richmond, where more than 300 attendees took advantage of panels about distracted driving research, corporate liability as well as efforts to reach teen drivers with a safety message.

"We wanted to recognize legislators who not only realize that distracted driving is dangerous, but are willing to work to strengthen laws against it, said Janet Brooking, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. "Education, strong laws and strong enforcement are the tools we need in Virginia to make a dent in this epidemic and we are grateful to these lawmakers for working in this manner."

Delegate Richard Anderson received an award for his "dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws in Virginia." Delegate Anderson's HB1907 which made texting and driving a primary offense, was signed into law by Governor McDonnell in April, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Fred Perutelli was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Virginia in 2012. His widow Patty Perutelli spoke at the Summit and encouraged everyone to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

"I was pleased to write this bill and move it through the General Assembly and to the Governor on behalf of the Perutelli family and all Virginians who have been hurt by those who text behind the wheel," Anderson said.

Delegate Ben Cline was one of the first lawmakers to introduce legislation strengthening Virginia's texting and driving law in 2013. Delegate Cline also received an award for his dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws in Virginia.

"Texting while driving has become a serious problem on our roads and it should be treated in Virginia as a serious traffic offense. I am honored to receive this award for efforts to pass this commonsense public safety legislation," said Cline.

The following legislators received awards for their efforts in increase traffic safety in Virginia:

Senate:

• Senator George Barker - Chief Co-Patron SB1222, and for significant efforts over time toward stronger distracted driving laws for Virginia.
• Senator Tommy Norment - Chief Patron SB1222, and for significant efforts over time towardstronger distracted driving laws for Virginia.

House of Delegates:

• Delegate Richard Anderson - Chief Patron HB1907, dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws in Virginia.
• Delegate Ben Cline - Chief Patron HB1360 Chief Co-Patron HB1907, dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws in Virginia.
• Delegate Rosalyn Dance, significant efforts over time toward stronger distracted driving laws for Virginia.
• Delegate Algie Howell, significant efforts over time toward stronger distracted driving laws for Virginia.
• Delegate Kaye Kory - Chief Patron HJR727, and for significant efforts over time toward stronger distracted driving laws for Virginia.
• Delegate Tom Rust - Chief Co-Patron - HB1360 & HB1907, dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws for Virginia.
• Delegate Vivian Watts, significant efforts over time toward stronger texting and driving laws for Virginia.
• Delegate Tony Wilt - Chief Co-Patron HB1360, dedication and commitment to stronger texting and driving laws.

In July, texting and driving became a primary offense in Virginia. The new law includes fines of $125 for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense.Read the Virginia law here.

About DRIVE SMART Virginia
DRIVE SMART Virginia, founded in 1995, is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to educating drivers and raising traffic safety awareness in order to save lives and reduce injuries on the roadways of Virginia. Find DRIVE SMART Virginia on Facebook and Twitter.