State Increases Penalties For Texting-While-Driving

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday at a press conference new laws to strengthen penalties for texting-while-driving.

Under the governor’s direction, DMV will increase the number of points earned against an individual’s driving record upon conviction for texting-while-driving and cell-phone related infractions from the current three points to five points. This is effective June 1 for all drivers. 

“As the father of three teenagers, I know firsthand the importance of instilling safe practices in our young drivers who are developing lifelong habits as they learn to navigate the road,” Cuomo said. “Inattention and inexperience is a deadly combination – one this legislation seeks to deter. We are urging young and inexperienced drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, while putting stronger penalties in place for drivers of all ages who violate the law and put others in danger. No parent should have to experience losing a child at the hands of a text message.” 

In 2011, there were 25,165 fatal and personal injury crashes involving distracted driving in New York, compared to 4,628 caused by alcohol-related driving, according to the state.

The number of tickets issued for texting-while-driving (30,166) approached the number of DWI/DWAI arrests (43,954) in 2012 in New York. In fact, between 2011 and 2012, there was a 234 percent increase in the number of tickets issued for texting while driving. In the same time period, there was a 4 percent decrease in the number of DWI/DWAI arrests.

Tell us: What do you think about the tougher penalties for texting-while-driving?