Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announces Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign

April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month nationwide, and today, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee announced that state and local law enforcement will participate in the effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.  

During the campaign, law enforcement across the state will be increasing patrols beginning Monday, April 7, through Monday, April 14. Distracted driving is the most common contributing factor in all crashes here in New York State.  

“All motorists have a responsibility to always keep their focus on driving and nothing else,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Distracted driving can result in needless tragedies that could have easily been prevented. New York was the first state to prohibit cell phone use while driving, and we will continue to reinforce our message to drivers to always keep their eyes and attention on the road when they are behind the wheel.”  

To help educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, GTSC will be utilizing social media, television, radio and variable message signs on highways. Today, GTSC joined traffic safety advocates, law enforcement and school officials at Mount Sinai High School in Suffolk County to demonstrate to students the dangers of distracted driving.  

During the enforcement period, New York State Police will be conducting “Operation Hang Up,” a special enforcement effort to step up patrols and checkpoints targeting drivers on electronic devices.  

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Distracted driving is just as dangerous as speeding or impaired driving and continues to be a contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes. Each year, there are needless tragedies and victims left behind because someone couldn’t put down their handheld device. The New York State Police is proud to partner with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to make New York’s roads safer, by discouraging, detecting, and arresting distracted drivers.”

To help deter drivers from talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device, the state has set strict penalties. The penalties can range from $50 to $450 in fines, five driver violation points, and suspension or revocation of license.  

During the 2024 campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued a total of 67,083 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 6,754 tickets for distracted driving. Full breakdown here:

According to preliminary data from the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), in 2024 driver inattention/distraction was a contributing factor in 49,550 crashes in New York State, 105 of which were fatal. To help prevent tragedies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following steps for drivers:  

• If you have to text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.  
• Distracted driving isn’t just texting. Scrolling through social media or messaging while driving is distracted driving, too.  
• If you have passengers, appoint a “designated texter” to handle all your texting.  
• Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone away so you won't be tempted to respond.  
• Speak up if you see someone texting and driving and ask them to put their phone away.  

James Quattrone, Chautauqua County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association, said, “Electronic devices can be useful and fun…but they can also distract you while driving.  Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes.  Luckily, this is preventable.  People can limit their distractions and focus on driving.  The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be safe on the road, so Deputies will be on the lookout for distracted drivers.”

City of Batavia Police Chief and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Shawn Heubusch said, “Every second behind the wheel counts. Stay focused, stay safe, and protect yourself and others by driving distraction-free. New York State Association of Chiefs of Police (NYSACOP) members proudly support this critical campaign.”

Combined with enforcement campaigns, GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle safety. It also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.  

For more information about GTSC, visit trafficsafety.ny.gov, or follow the GTSC conversation on Facebook and X.

B-roll from Distracted Driving Awareness Event at Mt. Sinai HS in Suffolk County

Sound from Mary Tanner-Richter, DMV Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Safety & Investigations, and Karen Torres, Distracted Driving Survivor Advocate  

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