SCPD to Target Cell Phone Violators

The Suffolk County Police Department has announced it’ll begin a week-long crackdown on drivers violating the cell phone and texting laws on July 31. The will run through August 6.

“Our officers will be on the lookout for distracted drivers, especially those using cell phones,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer in a release about the initiative. “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 nearly 20 percent of fatal crashes involved reports of cell phones as a distraction.”

Earlier in July, the NYS VTL Section 1225-D – which pertains to driving and texting – was amended to make the holding of any electronic device while driving unlawful.

Previously, a motorist could only be issued a traffic ticket for driving while texting if the driver was also committing a separate moving violation.

As a result, the goals of this program, according to the SCPD said in the same release, are “to change driver behavior regarding violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law as it pertains to the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices, and to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes resulting from these violations.”

The initiative is also designed to also raise awareness of the seriousness of texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

“While it may be second nature to answer a phone call or text message while driving, it creates a real danger to everyone on the road,” said Suffolk County in the same release. “Drivers should always use a hands-free device while talking on a cell phone, and never text while driving.”

Officers from Patrol, in both marked and unmarked cars, Community Oriented Police Enforcement (COPE) and the Highway Patrol Bureau will be participating in the initiative.

Drivers will face up to a $150 fine and three points on their license if found guilty of the offense.