City to crack down on cell phone talking and driving

If you are even thinking about driving and not using a hands-free cell phone in New York City on Thursday, a word to the wise: don't do it.

Cops will be out in force in a major ticket blitz to catch drivers who are talking on their hand-held cell phones, officials said.

The threat of tickets isn't an idle one.

In January a similar 24-hour offensive resulted in police writing 7,485 summonses, compared to the average of 617 on most days for the same violation, according to the New York Police Department.

If you are caught driving and talking or texting on a hand-held device the fine is up to $130. The crackdown begins at midnight Thursday.