Today, ends Operation Hang Up II. A four day initiative that started Monday to crack down on people who drive while talking on their cell phone. This is the second time this year the New York State Thruway Authority has set up this kind of enforcement. Operation Hang Up I was back in April. Troopers ticketed over 800 people.
State Trooper Marting Zubrzycki says this week's enforcement hasn't been as successful as the first one, but it is because more people are following the law. However, there are still drivers out there talking and texting on their phones and troopers will stop them if caught. "We are looking, we are enforcing, and we are serious about it," says Zubrzycki.
Traps have been set up along the New York State Thruway and can be found at various locations such as toll booths. Because drivers have to come to a stop to pay a toll, or at least a slow roll to go through EZ Pass, Troopers find it easier to catch drivers talking on their phone.
The dead give away says Zubrzycki is "The hand to the ear or the actual person moving their mouth."
New York State was the first state in the US to ban talking on the phone while driving. Last month, the state banned texting while driving as well. Although harder to catch, texting has become a serious issue, especially among the younger age group. Over one-third of drivers under 24 years old are texting while on the road.
Even though Operation Hang Up II ends today, law enforcement will still be out looking for offenders. In 2008, the state of New York gave out 5,400 hundred tickets to people distracted by their phones while driving. If caught you will be ticketed a$160 fine.
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