TTL News 313 Posted April 9, 2021 New York State Police and local law enforcement will be participating in the national "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." mobilization to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month nationwide. Law enforcement throughout the state will be stepping up patrols during this enforcement initiative, which runs from Thursday, April 8 through Monday, April 12. To help deter motorists from talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device while driving, the state has set strict penalties. The penalties can range from $50 to $450 in fines, 5 driver violation points, and suspension or revocation of license. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in the United States in distraction-affected crashes in 2019. To help prevent more tragedies, NHTSA recommends the following for motorists: If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first. If you have passengers, appoint a "designated texter" to handle all your texting. If you can't resist the temptation to look at your phone, keep it in the trunk. Combined with enforcement campaigns, GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 2,200 Posted April 9, 2021 I understand making phone calls is a necessary thing when they’re on the road, but seeing law enforcement driving around with a cell phone to their ears isn’t exactly good optics. Particularly if they’re ticketing people for it ( rightly so I might add ). 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 73 Posted April 9, 2021 Personally, I wouldn't mind if cell-phones were rendered inoperable inside a vehicle while the engine was running, unless emergency was pressed on either the phone or the vehicle. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zapp Brannigan 139 Posted April 9, 2021 Does this include people who drive around with dogs on their laps or hanging out driver window? 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites