Parkview raises awareness of new texting law

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Parkview Trauma Centers and Parkview’s Don’t Text & Drive partners gathered Friday at Evans Toyota in Fort Wayne to raise awareness and discuss the importance of the new state law that went into effect Friday which bans texting while driving.

Participants in Friday’s event included State Representatives Phil GiaQuinta, Kathy Heuer and Phyllis Pond, Diveeta Thompson, Evans Toyota, Indiana State Police, Mark Fore Sales and AAA Chicago.

In addition, AAA Chicago had its texting and driving simulator on display, which demonstrates how difficult it is to operate a vehicle while texting.

The simulator will be on display for the public on Sunday, July 10 at Headwaters Park and on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20 at Glenbrook Square Mall.

“Parkview is pleased to be part of a partnership that is committed to safety and quality of life in our community, said Lisa Hollister, program manager, Parkview Trauma Services. “We are celebrating the hard work and dedication of so many people who helped make the texting and driving law a reality. We want motorists in northeast Indiana to be as safe as possible and recognize the dangers of texting while driving.”

Parkview launched the Don’t Text & Drive initiative in February 2009. The program targets teenage drivers and adults who send or read text messages while driving. Parkview’s Don’t Text & Drive message appears on billboards, signage at Glenbrook Square Mall and public service announcements on television and radio. The campaign also includes outreach to area high schools.

More information about Parkview’s Don’t Text & Drive program can be found at www.donttextdrive.com and http://www.facebook.com/DontTextandDriveParkview .