Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign to Run April 7 through April 14
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and state and local law enforcement are working to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, the leading cause of accidents in New York State. The use of cell phones, particularly for texting, talking, and using social media, is the most common source of distraction. Just reading a text can take your eyes off the road for five seconds. This is equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field at 55 mph with your eyes closed.
Other dangerous actions include adjusting the radio or built-in vehicle touchscreens, applying makeup, and eating or drinking while driving. By driving distracted, you are jeopardizing not only your life but also the lives of others, losing precious seconds that may be critical to avoiding a serious accident.
From April 7 to April 14, the New York State Police will conduct “Operation Hang Up,” a statewide enforcement initiative featuring increased patrols and checkpoints aimed at drivers using electronic devices. To discourage drivers from talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using any electronic device, the state has established strict penalties. These penalties, from points on a driver’s license, to potential suspension or revocation of the license, to monetary fines up to $450.
Here are essential safety tips to follow:
- If you need to text, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe location.
- Designate a passenger as your “designated texter” to handle calls or messages for you.
- Do not scroll through apps while driving. If you're tempted to text, put your phone out of reach—in the trunk, glove box, or back seat—until you reach your destination.
- If you find someone texting or distracted while driving, demand that they stop and concentrate on the road.No distractions are acceptable.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claims more than 3,200 lives every year. Remember: if an action requires your hands, eyes, or attention while driving, it is a distraction. Distracted driving is not just a risk for you; it poses a deadly threat to every driver, pedestrian, cyclist, and road worker nearby. One text or call could wreck it all!
It's important to remind your friends and family that if you’re behind the wheel, your only focus should be on driving. Encourage them to join you in making a pledge not to drive distracted. Take the Erie County Clerk’s Safe Driving Pledge to help avoid distractions and ensure that everyone gets home safely.
Having a license to drive is an immense responsibility and privilege, not a right. We all want to travel our roads free from the hazards of distracted drivers. Share your “Don’t Drive Distracted” pledge on social media to spread the message. Your commitment could save a life.
To receive your Erie County Clerk’s Safe Driving Pledge, visit www.erie.gov/clerk/teendriver or call 716-858-8864.
Having a license to drive is an immense responsibility and privilege, not a right. We all want to travel our roads free from the hazards of distracted drivers. Share your “Don’t Drive Distracted” pledge on social media to spread the message. Your commitment could save a life.
To receive your Erie County Clerk’s Safe Driving Pledge, visit www.erie.gov/clerk/teendriver or call 716-858-8864.