Putnam County and AT&T to combat distracted driving

 

. Recent research by AT&T shows that 7 in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving.It’s no longer safe to assume that people are just texting from behind the wheel. They’re checking email, posting to social media, snapping selfies and even video chatting and playing games like Pokémon Go. To drive home the message, “It Can (All) Wait,” AT&T has teamed up with Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith, and Putnam County Clerk Mike Bartolotti to bring the AT&T nationally-touring 3D virtual reality simulator to the Putnam County DMV. This educational and free opportunity will allow the public to experience firsthand how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road and glance at a phone even for just two seconds. The virtual reality simulator “pit stop” in Putnam County is one of 200 nationwide in 2017.

 

The simulator is also visiting Putnam County to celebrate the remarkable dedication of local AT&T employee Regina Ennis, who won the AT&T’s It Can Wait 16 in ’16 Pledge contest last year, an internal contest challenging employees to compete to get the most It Can Wait pledges from their communities. Because of her dedication and commitment to protecting her community through educating on dangers of smartphone distracted driving, AT&T scheduled the simulator to make a special stop in her community to help her and the local partnering dignitaries to educate county residents to keep their eyes on the road and not on their phone.

 

In addition, the It Can Wait 3D virtual reality simulator visit to the Putnam County raises awareness for AAA’s 100 Deadliest Days for Drivers – the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen crash fatalities historically climb. With more young and inexperienced drivers, motorcycles, farm vehicles and bicyclists on the road, as well as pedestrians, it’s a great reminder for teen drivers to put the phone down while driving. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, July 25, 10am – 4:30 pm. For more information visit putnamcountyonline.com.

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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