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New York Sees Huge Increase In Texting While Driving Tickets

The number of tickets for texting while driving has increased 840 percent in New York State, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Photo Credit: File

“There is zero tolerance for distracted driving and State Police will be out in force to crack down on this dangerous behavior,” Cuomo said. “By keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, we can help prevent needless tragedies and make this a safer New York.” 

The rise of texting tickets comes with a decrease in the number of cell phone tickets during the same period. 

The announcement comes in conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Operation Hang Up, a crackdown on distracted driving that runs from April 8 through 13.

Probationary and junior drivers can face a 120 day suspension for a first offense and a one-year loss of license if a second offense is committed within six months.

In 2015, 84,720 texting tickets were issued compared to 9,015 in 2011, while 132,026 cell phone tickets were issued in 2015 and 248,540 in 2011. 

Overall, 216,748 total distracted driving tickets were issued in 2015, compared to 257,555 in 2011.

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