New York drivers have another reason to put down the phone and pay attention behind the wheel.
Starting November 1, young drivers convicted of texting or talking while driving will get their license or permit suspended for 120 days. If they break the law again within six months, that suspension time jumps to a year.
“It doesn't hurt to pull over and talk on your phone, and I always find a safe spot within a minute,” says Jim Arthurton, a New York driver who supports the change.
“Driving habits are developed early, and we are sending a message that texting while driving is unsafe, unacceptable and downright dangerous,” Governor Cuomo said in a released statement. “There have been far too many avoidable tragedies due to texting while driving and with these new penalties, we are seeking to change the behavior of young drivers now, and make New York’s roadways safer for all.”
Captain David Krause with the New York State Police says troopers are constantly on the lookout for distracted drivers. While it's already illegal to text and talk while driving, he believes the steeper consequences will have a positive impact.
"Anytime penalties are enhanced for certain offenses, there is a deterrent effect with the public,” says Captain Krause.
Officers often use spotters and unmarked police cars to spot violators.
New York drivers say the beefed up penalties protect everyone.
“If you're on the road much, you see people don't pay much attention to what they're doing anyway,” says another driver, Ed Hawley. “It’s probably a good idea to crack down on it.”
Law enforcement officials say it's not just young people breaking the law. In addition to the stricter penalties for minors, the new law also increases the fines for anyone using their phone behind the wheel by $50 for each offense.
“I don't think it's just teenagers per say,” says Capt. Krause. “It's people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s also that are engaging in this type of behavior."
Safety officials hope the new law dramatically cuts down on the deadly practice and gets more drivers focused on the road ahead.
Starting November 1, young drivers convicted of texting or talking while driving will get their license or permit suspended for 120 days. If they break the law again within six months, that suspension time jumps to a year.
“It doesn't hurt to pull over and talk on your phone, and I always find a safe spot within a minute,” says Jim Arthurton, a New York driver who supports the change.
“Driving habits are developed early, and we are sending a message that texting while driving is unsafe, unacceptable and downright dangerous,” Governor Cuomo said in a released statement. “There have been far too many avoidable tragedies due to texting while driving and with these new penalties, we are seeking to change the behavior of young drivers now, and make New York’s roadways safer for all.”
Captain David Krause with the New York State Police says troopers are constantly on the lookout for distracted drivers. While it's already illegal to text and talk while driving, he believes the steeper consequences will have a positive impact.
"Anytime penalties are enhanced for certain offenses, there is a deterrent effect with the public,” says Captain Krause.
Officers often use spotters and unmarked police cars to spot violators.
New York drivers say the beefed up penalties protect everyone.
“If you're on the road much, you see people don't pay much attention to what they're doing anyway,” says another driver, Ed Hawley. “It’s probably a good idea to crack down on it.”
Law enforcement officials say it's not just young people breaking the law. In addition to the stricter penalties for minors, the new law also increases the fines for anyone using their phone behind the wheel by $50 for each offense.
“I don't think it's just teenagers per say,” says Capt. Krause. “It's people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s also that are engaging in this type of behavior."
Safety officials hope the new law dramatically cuts down on the deadly practice and gets more drivers focused on the road ahead.
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