April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign to Run April 7 through April 14

NEW CITY, NY, - April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and state and local law enforcement are raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, the most common contributing factor in all crashes in New York State (NYS).  Cell phone use, specifically texting, talking, and social media use, has become the most common distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Monday, April 7, through Monday, April 14, New York State Police will be conducting “Operation Hang Up,” a special statewide enforcement initiative that includes increased patrols and checkpoints targeting drivers on electronic devices. To help deter drivers from talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device, the state has set strict penalties, which range from $50 to $450 in fines, points on a license, and suspension or revocation of license. 

Remain focused while driving to save lives and help prevent tragedies. Remember:

• If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.
• If you have passengers, appoint a “designated texter” to handle all your texting.
• Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone away so you won't be tempted to respond.
• Lead by example by never driving distracted. Talk with the young drivers in your life about distractions and the responsibilities that come with driving. Speak up if you see someone texting and driving and ask them to put their phone away. 

“According to the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking on your phone or texting, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and fiddling with 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 Rockland County Department of Health, in keeping with New York State’s “See! Be Seen!” initiative, is working with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to educate the community on traffic and pedestrian safety measures to keep yourself and your family safe. For more information, visit the Rockland Safe Streets website.  For more information about distracted driving, visit the NHTSA and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

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