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Distracted drivers beware: New Jersey police will be on the lookout for talking and texting drivers throughout April, and lawbreakers will see increased penalties for cell phone use this summer.
Under current NJ distracted driving laws, drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld electronic device. This includes talking and texting, but also any electronic distraction that requires a driver to take his hands off the wheel.
As part of a nationwide campaign, 60 New Jersey law enforcement agencies will receive $5,000 each from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety for increased patrols and checkpoints during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Drivers can expect to see extra troopers on the road through April 21.
Distracted driving has been called a national epidemic by lawmakers, and is widely regarded to be as big a problem for the current generation as drunk driving has been in the past. According to acting director Gary Poedubicky of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the problem is so widespread it deserved special, focused attention, similar to seat belt use and drunk driving campaigns in the past.
"The successes of the 'Click It or Ticket' and 'Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over' campaigns have proven that the combination of tough laws, targeted advertising and high-visibility enforcement can change people's risky traffic safety behaviors," Poedubicky said.
The month long initiative will allow drivers to correct illegal driving behaviors before state penalties increase later this year. Under a new law signed by Governor Christie, drivers who are cited for a first offense of cell phone distraction after July 1st can face penalties up to $400 and $800 for each subsequent violation. However, drivers pulled over this month for primary cell phone use will face the current $100 fine plus court costs and fees.