Troopers to crack down on texting drivers
New York State Police will use stealth tactics later this month to identify drivers who use mobile phones while driving. (Dec. 15, 2009) Credit: AP
State Police said they will use stealth tactics against mobile-phone scofflaws as they launch "Operation Hang Up" April 23-29.
"I've instructed our troopers to take a zero tolerance stance," Major Michael Kopy, commander of Troop K, said in a news release.
Troopers will employ "Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement" vehicles that "allow them to patrol inconspicuously in traffic while providing a superior vantage point to observe phone use and texting," State Police said.
New York State law makes viewing a mobile phone or other hand-held device while driving illegal.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ascribed more than 3,000 fatalities in 2011 to distracted driving.
Troop K patrols Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia counties.
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