Crackdown On Texting And Driving Underway In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township police will have stepped-up patrols targeting distracted driving, particularly texting and driving, thanks to a grant from state authorities.

The grant of $14,000 is for high-visibility enforcement as part of the "U Drive. U Text. U Pay" campaign that runs through April 30.

In addition, the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety has launched a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

According to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, preliminary data for 2022 shows 49 percent of drivers involved in crashes in the state were engaged in distracted behavior, resulting in 180 fatalities and over 1,500 serious injuries.

"Staying focused behind the wheel from the moment you step into your car is crucial in preventing a possible tragedy," said Matthew Platkin, New Jersey Attorney General. "Our public awareness campaign and increased enforcement efforts against distracted driving help ensure that drivers keep their attention on the road and off their phones. Working together, we can help make roadways across New Jersey safer."

"Every second behind the wheel demands a driver's full attention," said Michael J. Rizol Jr., director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

"During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, HTS remains unwavering in its dedication to educating drivers about the consequences of distracted driving and is fully committed to equipping our law enforcement partners with the essential resources to swiftly address and remove distracted drivers from our roads," Rizol said.

Brick is one of 182 law enforcement agencies in New Jersey receiving grants that are to fund saturation patrols throughout April to target drivers who engage in distracted driving behaviors like texting or talking on the phone.

In New Jersey, using a handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle is illegal. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $200 to $400 for a first offense and up to $800 for subsequent violations, along with the addition of three insurance points.

In 2023, the distracted driving mobilization yielded 7,130 citations for cell phone use or texting and almost 4,001 for careless driving.