Relates to the use of portable electronic devices while driving

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the use of portable electronic devices while driving

Purpose

This legislation would make the texting while driving offense a primary violation.

Summary of provisions

Amends subdivision 6 of section 1225-d of the vehicle and traffic law, as added by chapter 403 of the laws of2009 amending the vehicle and traffic law to strike language that prevents texting while driving from being a primary violation of the vehicle and traffic law.

Justification

The explosion of the popularity of texting created a new driver distraction that can lead to tragedy. Texting while driving increases the chance of getting into an accident. A person simply cannot drive attentively when searching for the needed letters or symbols for texting.

According to studies done by AAA, any activity that takes a driver's attention off the road for more than two seconds can double a driver's risk of a crash. According to Zogby Poll, 66% of people between 18-24 send text messages while behind the wheel. A 2007 Harris Interactive poll found that 91 % of Americans think that driving while texting is as dangerous as drunk driving and 89% of those polled support a ban. The seriousness of this growing problem mandates that the texting and driving law be a primary violation in New York State.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.