New York Senators Push to Toughen Texting at Wheel Law

May 4, 2011

New York’s Senate Republicans promise to push legislation that would allow police to stop and ticket motorists for texting while driving.

Using a portable electronic device while at the wheel of a moving vehicle in New York is currently a secondary offense, which means that a person can’t be pulled over solely for driving while texting. Instead, it must be tacked on to another offense like speeding.

Legislation sponsored by a dozen Republicans, who have majority control of that chamber, would upgrade it to a primary offense.

A group of Senate Democrats has introduced a similar bill. A companion measure is pending in the Assembly.

The American Automobile Association says driver distraction lasting more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash.

Topics New York

Was this article valuable?

Here are more articles you may enjoy.

Latest Comments

  • May 5, 2011 at 11:33 am
    wudchuck says:
    well, is not already a law that you can't use a cellphone while driving anyways? so whether texting or not, you are still using the cellphone. now, can we give our police the ... read more
  • May 4, 2011 at 2:28 pm
    Jack J Maniscalco says:
    Why? We already have laws on the books for Driving While Ability Impaired. It does not have to be drugs or alcohol that provide the impairment.

Add a CommentSee All Comments (2)Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

More News
More News Features