Technology can make life easier, make jobs faster and make communication simpler, but it can also cause a problem when technological devices become too distracting during routine tasks. One such problem has come to the forefront of New York lawmakers’ attention this summer, ramping up efforts similar to those used for enforcing New York’s DWI laws. This summer, lawmakers are focusing their attention on distracted driving, or texting while driving. Texting while driving violations go hand-in-hand with DWI charges, due to the dangerous activity of driving while either intoxicated or completely distracted.
According to Longisland.com, the texting while driving prevention effort is being spearheaded by New York’s governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Police. The crackdown began during Fourth of July weekend, and included a boost in law enforcement presence and patrols, as well as undercover operations carried out with unmarked State Police sport utility vehicles. The efforts fall under each wing of a two-pronged approach by Governor Cuomo to decrease dangerous texting while driving accidents. First Governor Cuomo plans to increase the penalties associated with texting while driving violations (and distracted driving violations in general), by raising the point reduction on a driver’s license from three points to five points. Secondly, he hopes to sign legislation that would increase license suspension and revocation periods for young drivers who have committed texting while driving and distracted driving offenses.
The texting while driving and distracted driving prevention efforts are expected to cost up to $1 million dollars, which will come from seized asset accounts and redirecting resources. The undercover operations will be assisted by Concealed Identity Enforcement vehicles, which are raised higher than other vehicles so that officers can see driver’s activities in the cabs of their cars. The covert enforcement vehicles are unmarked and come in a variety of colors, aiming to blend in with the flow of traffic on the road.
Comparing efforts and arrests between texting and driving offenses and DWI charges reveals an interesting trend. According to WKTV.com, one out of five motor vehicle accidents is caused as a result of distracted driving. In 2012, law enforcement issued over 30,000 tickets in New York for texting while driving, which was a 234% increase in tickets since 2011. Comparatively, in 2012, law enforcement made less than 44,000 DWI and DWAI arrests in New York, which was a decrease from the previous year of 4%.
As part of the crackdown, law enforcement will also focus their efforts on speeding, move over law, and seatbelt laws. Underage drinking prevention efforts and DWI checkpoints were also heavily operated during Fourth of July weekend.
Texting while driving and drinking and driving are problems not overlooked by lawmakers and law enforcement alike. If you have been charged with violating DWI laws, you should immediately contact an experienced DWI attorney. Call the offices of Nave DWI Defense Attorneys today at 1-866-792-7800 for a confidential consultation.
The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
