State Rep. John Piscopo & State Sen. Clark Chapin Warn Students on Dangers of Texting & Driving

LITCHFIELD– On Wednesday, October 23, State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) and State Senator Clark Chapin (R-30) joined Litchfield First Selectman Leo Paul for a presentation by AT&T on the dangers of texting and driving.   The presentation entitled, “Texting & Driving: It Can Wait”, was given to Litchfield High School juniors and seniors at the Litchfield Intermediate School auditorium.

“It is important that everyone young and old understands that texting and driving is very dangerous and should never happen,” said Rep. Piscopo. “Every time you pick up the phone to text while driving, you put yourself and everyone around you at risk.  I thank AT&T for giving this presentation and sharing the important message that no text is worth one’s life or the lives of others.  I was pleased with how receptive the students were, and I hope that each of them takes the pledge not to text and drive.”

Rep. Piscopo, Senator Chapin, Selectman Paul, and Litchfield Police Officer Gregory Kenney each spoke to the students on the dangers of texting and driving and encouraged them to prevent distracted driving by simply not picking up the phone.  Officer Kenney reminded students that it is against the law and of the fines associated with distracted driving, which includes not only texting while driving, but also merely having the phone in hand.  Officer Kennedy also informed students that in addition, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has begun suspending driver’s licenses for a repeat offense as well.

“Every time I hear a story about an accident caused by texting while driving, I am reminded of how important our cautionary message is, especially for young drivers,” said Sen. Chapin.  “Texting while driving is extremely dangerous, even for experienced drivers.  Teaching new drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving is an important step in preventing future accidents.”

“We’d like to thank Senator Chapin and Representative Piscopo for helping AT&T bring its “It Can Wait” message of the unnecessary tragedies that can result from texting while driving to Litchfield High School.  No text is worth dying for,” stated Kinson Perry, External Affairs Director for AT&T Connecticut.

A brief video featured true stories shared by individuals who have lost loved ones, and those who were responsible for taking other’s lives, due to texting while driving.  Following the video, the students were given the option to sign the pledge to refrain from texting and driving.

AT&T will host this event statewide and share the message with high school students across Connecticut that “It Can Wait”.

For more information on the program or to read and sign the pledge, please visit: www.itcanwait.com.

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