Troopers on the lookout for chatty drivers

“Operation Hang Up II” is in full swing and that means drivers that like to talk on their cell phones could be in for some trouble. New York State Troopers are staking out positions along the Thruway and at toll booths getting off of the highway looking for people who are talking on their cellphones.

Troopers started the four day initiative on Monday and it runs through tomorrow. So far officers say their numbers are down from the first round of “Operation Hang Up” earlier in the year, but a reduced number of officers from the East Syracuse outpost of Troopers has made the difference.

Officers say the place where it’s the easiest to catch offenders is at tollbooths because the cars have to slow down and they can see if the driver is holding a phone to their ear. Despite the popularity of Bluetooth devices, a lot of drivers still talk away despite the increased enforcement, officers said.

Fines can go as high as $160 dollars for offenders, although no points are put on a drivers record. Along with drivers who talk on their cellphones, police also keep an eye out for those who send text messages while driving.

Texting while driving is illegal in Onondaga County and a statewide ban is going into effect November 1st.