NY Troopers Cracking Down on Texters
"Operation Hang Up" is a statewide enforcement campaign during the Thanksgiving holiday, funded by NHTSA.
During the Thanksgiving holiday, the New York State Police will increase their enforcement statewide, in a campaign called "Operation Hang Up," against drivers who use their cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week.
"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," Cuomo said. "Using a hand-held device while driving is illegal and puts the lives and safety of New Yorkers on the road at risk. I thank the state police and local law enforcement officers for their hard work to keep New Yorkers safe."
"Operation Hang-up" is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a Distracted Driving Enforcement Grant. Traffic volume is usually heaviest during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the department.
"Drivers must eliminate distractions and behaviors that take their attention from the road and unnecessarily puts lives at risk," said Joseph A. D'Amico, superintendent of the New York State Police. "During this enhanced enforcement period, troopers will ticket those drivers who ignore this law and use a mobile device while driving. We will continue our efforts to reduce distracted driving to ensure New York's highways and citizens are safe."
Cuomo signed a new law in July 2011 to strengthen enforcement of texting while driving violations, making violations a primary traffic offense.