Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) recently joined students at JFK High School in Bellmore to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. The event was hosted by Stop Texting and Driving (STANDD), an organization co-founded by twin sisters Emily and Anna Lawrence to highlight the dangers of texting for their peers.

"We all know the dangers of texting and driving, but many young people do not heed the message when it comes from adults. Fortunately, with young people like Emily and Anna becoming advocates, the message can have a more direct impact," said McDonough. "Texting-while-driving costs 11 teenagers their lives per day. Over the past few years, my colleagues and I have enacted tougher penalties on those who text and drive in an effort to stall this disturbing trend."

The students have launched a petition which others can sign at http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/standd-stop-texting-and.fb65?source=c.fb&r_by=10169748. They have collected over 300 signatures already.

Under the current law, young and new drivers convicted of texting-while-driving will have their license suspended for 120 days on the first offense. For second offense, young and new drivers will have their license suspended for one full year.

For more information on Stop Texting and Driving, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Standd-NY/568806606568071.