Stats Released In NY Distracted Driving Crackdown

NEW YORK — State police issued 22,867 tickets during this year’s “Operation Hang Up” traffic enforcement event, which focuses on catching motorists who are using electronic devices while driving.

The enforcement effort ran from April 7 through April 14 this year, police said.

The 22,867 tickets were for a variety of vehicle and traffic violations. Of that total, 4,607 tickets were for distracted driving.

Of the 4,607 distracted driving tickets, 3,117 were for texting, and 1,490 were for cell phone use without a hands-free device, police said.

The number of tickets issued during this year’s campaign is higher compared to last year. In the April 2024 campaign, state police issued 21,768 tickets, including 4,056 for distracted driving.

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show 3,275 people were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving in the U.S. in 2023 alone.

Distracted drivers in New York can face increasing fines with multiple violations.

• For a first offense, fines range between $50 and $200.
• A second offense within 18 months increases the maximum fine to $250.
• A third offense within 18 months results in a maximum fine of $450.
• Probationary and junior drivers face a 120-day license suspension for a first offense, and a one-year revocation of their permit or license if a second offense is committed within six months.