ITHACA, N.Y. — Chief of Police Pete Tyler is pleased to announce that the Ithaca Police Department will have extra traffic enforcement patrols throughout the month of February looking for violations of New York State’s distracted driving laws. IPD officers will be on roving patrols throughout the City on different days and varying hours all month long.
During the week of February 12th- 18th in particular IPD officers will have dedicated patrols looking exclusively for violators of the distracted driving laws.
Distracted Driving Laws cover the use of a cell phone without a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle. This also includes the use of a portable electronic device which includes holding, viewing, transmitting or saving electronic data such as email, text messages or browsing the internet.
Drivers ticketed for these offenses face a fine of up to $150 and 3 points on their Driver License. Officers working these enforcement details will have zero-tolerance for all distracted driving violations.
Regarding these patrols Chief Tyler recently stated “I encourage everyone to leave their phones alone when they’re driving. Please, break the habit of talking and texting while driving. If you’re behind the wheel please don’t pick up your phone, and please remind your friends and family to do the same. Whatever the phone call is or whatever the text is about it’s just not
worth the risk”.
For more information on the distracted driving laws in the State of New York please visit: http://www.safeny.ny.gov/phon-ndx.htm
Featured image: “Don’t Text & Drive” by Michael Babcock is licensed under CC BY 2.0