PITTSBURGH -- WPXI-TV is partnering with local businesses including Clearview Federal Credit Union and Safe Auto to distribute thumb bands across the Pittsburgh area. The TXTL8R thumb bands are designed to remind drivers to "text later!"

Channel 11 anchors David Johnson and Peggy Finnegan are featured in promotional announcements airing on WPXI-TV, PCNC and MeTV. You can get one for yourself at Clearview Federal Credit Union locations or at WPXI-TV studios. You can also order thumb bands for your group or organization. All of the information you need is at the bottom of the page.

We hope Pittsburghers will join us in the campaign and TXTL8R.

Pa. texting law now in effect

Officers admit it will be tough to enforce because talking on cellphones is still legal in Pennsylvania. Texting, emailing and browsing the Internet while driving are all a primary offense, which means police can pull a driver over for doing so. It also carries a $50 fine.

"The fact that there's an area where you can use your phone to make a phone call does make it more difficult, but the responsibility will lie with the police officer to use good judgment and conduct an investigation," Pennsylvania State Trooper Steve Limani said.

State police said they hope the new law and enforcement efforts will create voluntary compliance by the majority of drivers.

The new law specifically does the following:

• Makes it a primary offense to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based message.
• Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smartphone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
• Defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.
• Institutes a $50 fine for convictions.
• Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.

In 2010, there were nearly 14,000 crashes in Pennsylvania where distracted driving played a role, with 68 people dying in those crashes.

Learn more online at www.dot.state.pa.us and choose "Anti-Texting Law."

How to get thumb bands:

Fill out this request form.

OR

You can pick up bands at any local Clearview Credit Union location.

Clearview Federal Credit Union Locations: 

Brentwood
Brentwood Towne Square
330 Towne Square Way
Brentwood, PA

Butler
600 Butler Crossing
Butler, PA 16001

Canonsburg
105 East Pike Street
Canonsburg, PA

Center
Stone Quarry Commons
210 Golfview Drive, Monaca, PA 15061

Chippewa
Suite 4  |  Chippewa Square
2652 Darlington Rd.
Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Gibsonia
The Village at St. Barnabas
5850 Meridian Road
Gibsonia, PA

Hopewell
2646 Brodhead Road
Aliquippa, PA 15001

Kennedy Township
101 Langer Drive
McKees Rocks, PA

Lower Burrell
3271 Leechburg Road
Lower Burrell, PA

McMurray
Clearview Commons - Suite 600
465 Valleybrook Road
McMurray, PA

Moon
8805 University Boulevard
Moon Township, PA

Natrona Heights
2861 Freeport Road
Natrona Heights, PA 15065

New Kensington
Alcoa Technical Center Branch (For active Alcoa Employees)
Alcoa Technical Center
100 Technical Drive
Alcoa Center, PA  15069

O'Hara
200 Beta Drive
Pittsburgh, PA

Robinson
Robinson Town Centre
1920 Park Manor Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA

Sewickley
510 Beaver Street
Sewickley, PA

Wexford
6071 Wallace Road Extension
Wexford, PA

VIDEO: Texting While Driving Ban Takes Next Step To Law In Pa.

VIDEO: Corbett To Sign Bill Today That Will Ban Texting While Driving

VIDEO: Pa. Senate Approves Texting While Driving Ban