Drivers Urged to Stay Focused During Distracted Driving Awareness Month

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is the top cause of motor vehicle crashes in New York State.

“According to the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, distracted driving is any activity that takes attention away from driving, including talking on your phone or texting, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and adjusting the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. Any of these distractions can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road,” said Dr. Albert Del Principio, Ed.D., Rockland County STOP-DWI & Traffic Safety Coordinator.

The most common distraction is cell phone use, including texting, talking, or checking social media and from April 9^th through 13th, state and various local law enforcement agencies will conduct enforcement of distracted driving laws.

At 55 miles per hour, looking at your phone for just five seconds, the time it takes to read or send a text, is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign reminds drivers:

• If you need to send or read a text, pull over to a safe place and park your car before looking at your phone.
• If you have passengers in the vehicle, ask someone to handle texts so you can remain focused on driving.
• Turn on your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or silence notifications. Put your phone out of reach so you are not tempted to check it.
• Set a good example by never driving while distracted. Talk with young drivers in your life about staying focused on the road. If you see someone texting while driving, speak up and ask them to stop.

Effective February 2026, New York State implemented stricter penalties for some of the most serious traffic violations including higher points and fines for passing school buses, speeding in a construction zone, and any alcohol or drug-related incident. Visit the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on violation points.

The Rockland County Department of Health is working with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to help the community learn about traffic and pedestrian safety. For more information, visit Rockland County Safe Streets. For more information about distracted driving, visit NHTSA and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

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