Texting-while-driving tickets double in NY
Texting at the wheel Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
The number of tickets issued for "texting while driving" has more than doubled since New York made it easier for police to nab violators, the Cuomo administration announced Wednesday.
In August, the first full month the new law was in effect, law enforcement officials across the state issued 1,082 tickets for the offense. Previously, the state was averaging 427 such tickets per month. Violators face 2 points on their license and up to a $150 fine.
The new law classifies texting while driving as a "primary" offense. Previously, it was considered a "secondary" offense, meaning a driver could be cited for texting while driving only if another violation, such as speeding or running a red light, occurred. That requirement handcuffed police from stopping violators, legislators said.
"These statistics clearly demonstrate how much this law was needed," said Assemb. Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach), one of the sponsors of the measure. "The upgrade to primary offense is undoubtedly saving lives."
Law-enforcement officials hailed the new law, too.
State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico said in a statement: "These statistics reinforce the need for stricter enforcement to crack down on drivers who use a mobile device while behind the wheel."
