Mercer Times

The Attorney General of New Jersey, Matthew J. Platkin, in collaboration with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), has announced a new initiative aimed at tackling distracted driving. From April 1 through April 30, a statewide enforcement campaign, "Put the Phone Away or Pay," will take place. This campaign includes funding for law enforcement agencies across New Jersey to intensify the enforcement of laws against texting and other forms of distracted driving. Alongside enforcement, HTS has initiated a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the risks and consequences of distracted driving.

Preliminary data indicates that in 2023, 48% of drivers involved in crashes in New Jersey were engaged in distracted behavior, resulting in 160 fatalities and over 1,400 serious injuries. Attorney General Platkin stated, "Combining public awareness campaigns like this with increased enforcement efforts against distracted driving help ensure that drivers keep their attention on the road and off their phones. Staying focused behind the wheel from the moment you step into your car is crucial in preventing a possible tragedy. Working together, we can help make roadways across New Jersey safer."

Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, emphasized the importance of driver focus, stating, "Every second behind the wheel demands a driver’s full attention. During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, HTS remains unwavering in its dedication to educating drivers about the consequences of distracted driving and is fully committed to equipping our law enforcement partners with the essential resources to swiftly address and remove distracted drivers from our roads."

To support this enforcement effort, HTS has allocated over $1 million in grants to 158 law enforcement agencies in 19 counties, facilitating saturation patrols that target drivers engaging in distracted driving behaviors. An additional $211,820 has been awarded to the New Jersey State Police for distracted driving enforcement on various major roadways, including the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.

In New Jersey, the use of a handheld electronic device while driving is prohibited. Violators may face fines ranging from $200 to $400 for a first offense, with fines increasing to $800 for subsequent offenses, along with the addition of three insurance points.

During the 2024 mobilization against distracted driving, authorities issued 9,055 citations for cell phone use or texting and nearly 4,800 citations for careless driving.