Monmouth County Law Enforcement To Join In Distracted Driving Campaign

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Throughout the month of April, four Monmouth County law enforcement agencies will be amongst those participating in a state-wide campaign aimed at reducing distracted driving.

The campaign, known as “Put the Phone Away or Pay," will run from April 1 through April 30, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced.

A total of 158 law enforcement agencies across New Jersey will receive grants from the state for the campaign in efforts to crack down on distracted driving.

According to Platkin, $1 million will be split amongst NJ police departments to pay for extra patrols, with amounts ranging from $1,400 to $12,250.

In addition to the grants, officials said $211,820 was also awarded to the NJ State Police for distracted driving enforcement on the NJ Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, interstates, and all other roadways they patrol.

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

The following Monmouth County municipalities are receiving grants, according to the Division of Highway Traffic Safety:

• Freehold Borough ($7,000)
• Howell ($7,000)
• Marlboro ($12,250)
• Red Bank ($8,750)

Alongside grants to law enforcement, Platkin said HTS has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

“Every second behind the wheel demands a driver’s full attention,” said Michael J. Rizol, Jr., the 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.”

To learn more, you can visit the NJ Attorney General's website.

Related

• NJ’s Distracted Driving Crackdown Begins: Here’s Where