(516)
319-5822
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a
new law that strengthens the enforcement against drivers who use handheld
electronic devices for activities such as texting while a vehicle is in motion,
(governor.ny.gov/).
Cuomo, a father of three teenagers
said, “It’s plain and simple: distracted driving leads to tragedies that have
affected families all across New York,” (governor.ny.gov/).
Several illegal activities that
could lead up to a $150 fine and a three-point license deduction include: text
messaging, browsing, retrieving electronic messages such as e-mail, taking
pictures and playing games (governor.ny.gov/).
The new law, however does not
infringe upon police officers, fire fighters, or emergency vehicle drivers as
their jobs require exigent communication tactics (governor.ny.gov/).
“New York State Senator Carl L.Marcellino said, “With this new legislation, New York State driving laws have
finally caught up with today’s technology,” (governor.ny.gov/).
New York State Police Superintendent
Joseph A. D’Amico said, “Motorists should now realize the dangers of operating
a motor vehicle while texting on mobile devices or talking on a cell phone
without an approved hands-free device,” (governor.ny.gov/).
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration reports that 16% of fatal accidents in 2009 were due to
distracted driving and 20% of people injured during a crash were involved in a
crash where distracted driving was reported (governor.ny.gov/).
Thomas Hoy, President of AAA New
York State approves highly of the lawmakers and the Governor for stiffening the
consequences of handheld activity. His report found that with nearly 2 trillion
text messages sent in 2010, texting represents the most dangerous form of
distracted driving (governor.ny.gov/).
To learn more about the new
strengthened law, check out the DMV’s Press Release, linked HERE.
If you have received a handheld
activity traffic ticket, DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY! Call Traffic Ticket Nassau County
for a free consultation at 516-319-5822!
