More than 800 drivers across New York were issued tickets for texting while driving over the Thanksgiving holiday.
In all, state police issued 816 tickets for texting while driving violations.
From January to June, an average of 429 tickets were issued each month to drivers for talking or texting while driving. Just since July when the new law took effect, at least 1,000 tickets have been issued each month.
"The more than 800 tickets issued in just five days further demonstrates the need for these stricter laws which focus on drivers who put others at risk by illegally using a hand-held device," said Governor Andrew Cuomo. "I thank the State Police and local law enforcement agencies for cracking down on distracted driving during the holiday weekend to help protect New Yorkers and keep our highways safe."
The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee funded "Operation Hang-Up" through a Distracted Driving Enforcement Grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can expect to see similar crackdowns in the future.
"During this enhanced enforcement period, troopers ticketed drivers who ignored this new law and endangered their fellow motorists by using a mobile device while driving," said Joseph A. D'Amico, Superintendent of the New York State Police. "We will continue to enforce the law and work to reduce distracted driving to ensure New York's highways and citizens are safe."
"Operation Hang-Up is designed to send a clear message to drivers that New York State will not tolerate distracted driving that places other motorists in danger," said Barbara Fiala, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. "Using a hand-held device while operating a motor vehicle is illegal, and through future enforcement campaigns we will continue to make sure our roadways are safe for all New Yorkers."
The law signed in July makes texting while driving a primary offense, giving police the power to pull over drivers just for that violation. The penalty for using a handheld device while driving has been increased from two to three points on your license.
