Executive Fiala Signs Texting Ban Legislation Proposed by Garnar
(Binghamton, NY) Today, Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala was joined by Legislator Jason Garnar and members of the Traffic Safety Board for a news conference to sign into law the texting ban passed by the Broome County Legislature. The texting ban prohibits the use of wireless handsets to compose, read, or send text messages while operating a motor vehicle.
“This legislation promotes responsible driving to make our community’s roadways safer,” said Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala. “While it may not seem to be a high risk to send a quick message while driving, it truly is extremely distracting and dangerous.”
“More than a year ago, the Broome County Legislature and several other County Legislative Boards around the state sent word to Albany that a texting while driving ban was necessary for the whole state,” said Legislator Jason Garnar (District 3). “The state could have made it part of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and been enforcing it all this time. The Assembly has wisely acted on our suggestion. The Senate, unfortunately, has not.
As a result, counties across the state are enacting Local Laws such as this one. In fact, two more counties just adopted Local Laws this week.”
As a result, counties across the state are enacting Local Laws such as this one. In fact, two more counties just adopted Local Laws this week.”
Text messaging while driving inevitably decreases safety on the road, affects driver reaction time, reduces attention to the surrounding environment and substantially increases the likelihood for vehicular accidents and personal injury. As stated in the legislation, the purpose of this local law is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by prohibiting text messaging while driving.
Introducing Legislator Garnar, Joel Dunham, member of the
Broome County Traffic Safety Board, spoke about the impact distracted driving had on his family. “I lost my daughter Megan Dunham in 2001 to a distracted driving car crash. As part of the Traffic Safety Board, we have developed an educational program called “Keeping it Real Behind the Wheel” to teach young drivers the dangers of distracted driving, including cell phone use. This legislation will have a huge impact on this effort and the next generation of drivers.”
Broome County Traffic Safety Board, spoke about the impact distracted driving had on his family. “I lost my daughter Megan Dunham in 2001 to a distracted driving car crash. As part of the Traffic Safety Board, we have developed an educational program called “Keeping it Real Behind the Wheel” to teach young drivers the dangers of distracted driving, including cell phone use. This legislation will have a huge impact on this effort and the next generation of drivers.”
The ban can be applied by any law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction within the geographic boundaries of Broome County. Those caught texting can face a fine not to exceed $150.00 for each violation. Each violation constitutes a separate and distinct offense.
Posted: 6/26/2009 2:20 pm
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Contact Information
Barbara J. Fiala,
County Executive
Patrick J. Brennan,
Deputy County Executive
of Physical Services
Darcy M. Fauci,
Deputy County Executive
of Human Services
Sixth Floor
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street
PO Box 1766
Binghamton, NY 13902-1766
Phone: 607.778.2109
Fax: 607.778.2044
Email