Demonstrating dangers of distracted driving, Kenney takes to virtual vehicle

Drivers continue to flout laws by texting while they’re behind the wheel. 

To publicize the risks of distracted driving, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney took a virtual spin Thursday.

Kenney crashed his virtual car within seconds during the demonstration of distracted driving.  He did so in an effort to convince drivers to put away their devices instead of risking accidents on the roads.

“Each year, around 100 people are killed in traffic crashes on Philadelphia streets.  Every day in Philadelphia, four children are involved in traffic accidents,” Kenney said. “These crashes are not accidents, they are preventable incidents.”

Kenney said the goal is to have no crashes.

“I’m asking all Philadelphians to put their down their phones when they are in the car, put it in the back seat or the trunk,” he said. “And remember, what seems like a quick text can cost someone their father, mother, sibling or child. Your phone can wait.”

In addition to being dangerous, texting while driving is also illegal in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.