WWLP-22News Presents the XtheTXT Distracted Driving Simulator at Yankee Candle Village

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - On Saturday, June 16th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., WWLP-22News will present a distracted driving simulator at Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield as part of our continuing XtheTXT campaign.  Visitors to the display will also be able to complete an XtheTXT pledge form , and pick-up an XtheTXT thumb band which is a visual reminder not to text while driving.

The XtheTXT campaign was initiated last August by 22News in an attempt to discourage texting while operating a vehicle.  Despite being banned by law in Massachusetts, many drivers still text behind the wheel.  WWLP Vice President and General Manager Bill Pepin said, “Far too often, our news reports show the tragic consequences of distracted driving, and when you’re texting behind the wheel, you are highly distracted.  The simulator will clearly illustrate the potential consequences, and the consequences are not worth the risk.”

Drivers caught texting in Massachusetts while driving could face fines ranging from $100 for a first offense and up to $500 dollars for repeat offenses.

The 22News XtheTXT campaign is sponsored by Jerry Rome Nissan, Interstate Towing, O’Connell’s Convenience Plus, and Country Bank.

Yankee Candle Village is located off of exit 24 of I-91.

Quantities of the pledge forms and thumb bands are limited.  Access to the simulator may also be limited by the response.

WWLP-22News is an NBC affiliate providing local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts.  The station also provides superior digital breaking news and weather coverage through its websites WWLP.com and onpolitix.com , and mobile and tablet applications.