(Tuesday, December 17, 2013) – Earlier today, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin brought his "Txting & Drving...It Can Wait" campaign to North Smithfield High School, where he spoke to over 120 juniors about the dangers of texting and driving.
Joined by Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Michael Lewis, Rhode Island State Police Major James Manni, North Smithfield Police Lt. Greg Landry and AT&T Regional Director for External Affairs Joseph Shannon, Attorney General Kilmartin urged North Smithfield students to pledge to never text and drive.
Principal Robert Mezzanotte started the assembly by demonstrating a driving simulator that shows how much texting while driving affects a driver's ability to maintain control of a vehicle.
"I am pleased to bring our message to a new batch of drivers at North Smithfield High School: when it comes to texting and driving, It Can Wait," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "This was our second visit to North Smithfield High after bringing the program there last year, and I commend the school for continuing to participate in the It Can Wait campaign. I saw firsthand how dedicated the administration is to ensuring the safety and well-being of their students, and I am proud that they felt the presentation was worth bringing back for a second year."
"I'd like to thank Attorney General Kilmartin, the Department of Transportation, AT&T and the state and local police for their efforts in bringing awareness to this critical safety issue," said Robert Mezzanotte, Principal of North Smithfield High School. "I am confident that as a result of today's presentation NSHS students will not only refrain from texting while driving, but will also spread the word to their friends and family about this dangerous and reckless practice."
To date, the campaign has made 27 school visits across Rhode Island, and will continue throughout the school year. The next stop is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Bishop Hendricken High School. Other schools are encouraged to follow the lead of the North Smithfield students by bringing the "It Can Wait" program to their high school; contact the Office of Attorney General at (401) 274-4400 ext 2007 for more information.
To take the pledge and find additional information on AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign, please visit www.att.com/itcanwait.