State and local police are increasing patrols and checkpoints statewide from April 10 to 15 to encourage drivers not to use their mobile phones.
Authorities say “Operation Hang Up” combines anti-texting and cell phone law enforcement with advertisements to let people know about the push and convince them to obey the law.
The first offense is a minimum fine of $50. That can increase to $400 for the third offense.
Beginning Nov. 1, young and new drivers found texting while driving will have their licenses suspended for 120 days on the first offense. A second offense will lead a year-long suspension.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,328 people were killed and an estimated 421,000 people injured in crashes involving distracted drivers during 2012.
(AP)
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5 Responses
Really. This only about raising money
If they were serious they would be doing this year round
Does distracted drivers include rubber neckers?
I believe there is – or can be – an electronic solution to driver use of cell phones, in the form of a very short-range jamming signal that would make the use of a cell phone or texting device in a moving automobile impossible.
@nfgo3
What about a passenger’s cell phone? Why should they suffer?
To Commenter no. 4: Your question is reasonable. One answer is to have an override controlled in part by a sensor in the passenger seats. Another answer is, the passenger should “suffer” for the sake of saving a life. My point is, there probably is a technical solution to the problem.