Enforcement targets cell phones

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New York State Police will conduct an enhanced enforcement campaign next week called “Operation Hang Up” to target those that use their cell phone and other electronic devices while driving.

“Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we will be stepping up our enforcement measures to send a clear message to drivers: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo says in a release. “Using a handheld device while driving is illegal and puts the lives and safety of New Yorkers on the road at risk.”

The operation is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a Distracted Driving Enforcement Grant. The grant enables the state police to focus patrol resources on distracted driving and supplements their conventional traffic safety and enforcement efforts. Traffic volume is generally the heaviest during the Thanksgiving holiday and the operation will be conducted statewide. Under this grant, similar enhanced enforcement periods will be conducted throughout the year.

Cuomo signed a new law in July to strengthen enforcement of texting-while-driving violations. The law makes using a handheld electronic device for activities such as texting while driving a primary traffic offense, giving law enforcement the power to stop motorists solely for engaging in this activity. Additionally, the penalty for using a handheld device while driving has increased from two to three points.