State Adds Points For Drivers Caught Using Cell Phones

[pauldun170]

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/?ArID=133913


The state is increasing the penalty for using a cell phone while driving.

While it’s been illegal for years, starting Wednesday, the state Department of Motor Vehicles will impose two points on the driving records of anyone found guilty of using a cell phone while behind the wheel.

That's in addition to the $100 fine offenders already face.

Those who get caught texting while driving also face points and fines.

The DMV hopes the laws remind New Yorkers of the dangers of distracted driving.

"We hope it to be a deterrent much in the way that when the seat belt law was first drafted decades ago," said David Sampson, executive deputy commissioner of the DMV. "At first there was a very little compliance with it and now New York States leads the nation with 90 percent seat belt use. We hope we can have the same impact because distracted driving has now become one of the most serious problems on our highways today."

Officials say it was the imbalance between violations for texting while driving versus talking while driving that led to the new, harsher rule.

“If you text while driving it’s a two point violation and a $150 fine while cell phone use was only a $100 fine and no points. So by drafting this new regulation it will make distracted driving laws consistent," Sampson said.

Most motorists who spoke with NY1 say they agree with the harsher penalty because it will encourage drivers to watch the road ahead.

“It's your license. Now it's going on your record and for something silly like talking on the phone, I mean, come on. You gotta drive, you gotta keep your eyes on the road and that’s basically the way you should do it. It's people’s safety," said one driver.

"At some point we have to stop these things just shut up and drive. It's that important," said one auto repair shop owner.

The DMV estimates that one in five crashes in the state is caused by distracted drivers, resulting in 5,000 deaths last year.

[tommymac]

Interesting, does that mean the cops have to stop doing that too LOL

[askmrjesus]

Posted from Paul's phone, while driving to work.

JC

[Sixxxxer]

Originally Posted by tommymac

Interesting, does that mean the cops have to stop doing that too LOL

No bc the law states Emergency personnel are excluded from this WHILE on duty...I already posed this question to a friend of mine.

I agree with it...But I think it has to be VERY hard for a cop to prove you were "texting" but thats just My opinion.

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by Sixxxxer

No bc the law states Emergency personnel are excluded from this WHILE on duty...I already posed this question to a friend of mine.

I agree with it...But I think it has to be VERY hard for a cop to prove you were "texting" but thats just My opinion.

Hmmm, I am emergency personel wonder if I can pull this off

[Sixxxxer]

Honestly, You probably could...The cop doesnt know what your on the phone for...Just tell them what you do and that work called and your always on call or some BS...I'm sure it will work 99% of the time.

[Dave]

I realize this is a representitive republic and we don't get to vote on every dumbass piece of legislation that comes along but christ I wish these assholes would spend more time cutting their budgets instead of inventing new ways of revenue generation.

[azoomm]

How about this, don't use your cell phone in your car because it's dangerous and you can't multitask. Shut up and drive.

[Sixxxxer]

Originally Posted by azoomm

How about this, don't use your cell phone in your car because it's dangerous and you can't multitask. Shut up and drive.

Should we make it Illegal to listen to the radio when were driving to?

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by Sixxxxer

Should we make it Illegal to listen to the radio when were driving to?

I don't think cell phone use should be a specific law. I think it's common sense.