State Stiffens Penalties for Texting While Driving

(This story was posted by Joe Dowd; it was written by Adina Genn.)

Teen drivers caught texting while driving would have their junior permits or probationary licenses suspended or revoked under legislation signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Monday. 

“Today’s new law sends a powerful message to our young and new drivers that texting-while-driving will not be tolerated here in New York State,” Cuomo said. “Statistic after statistic shows that texting-while-driving is a chronic problem in our society, particularly among teenagers, and it will only get worse if we do not take action to prevent this deadly behavior."

The legislation covers two different categories of permits and licenses. The first offense for those with a probationary license is a 60-day suspension. The second offense, if it occurs within six months post suspension, is a six-month revocation. To restore the probationary license would require applying again through the Department of Motor Vehicles  and complying with all the necessary requirements.

Lavine’s office noted that 43 percent of teenage drivers admit they regularly text while driving and according to research from the Pediatric Academic Societies. Between 2005-2011 there has been a 143 percent increase in cell phone-related crashes in New York State and from 2011-2012 there was a 234 percent increase in the number of tickets issued for texting while driving. 

Senator Charles Fuschillo Jr., R-Merrick, said, “The obsession and addiction of using cell phones in cars endangers the lives and safety of every driver on the road; it has to stop."  

“The statistics are alarming and deadly, and avoidable.," said Sen. Carl Marcellino, R-Syosset. "Under the Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we are giving New York some of the toughest laws on texting while driving in the nation."