Pull over ‘texting zones’ to be set up on highways [View all]

[hrmjustin]

ALBANY – State highways including the Thruway, and several interstates, will have “texting zones” for motorists.

Texting while driving is illegal so the state launched new pull over areas so drivers can do their texting and not put themselves and other motorists in jeopardy.

Existing Park-n-Ride facilities, rest stops, and parking areas along the Thruway and Highways, where you have always been able to stop the car and do what you want with your ‘smart’ phone, will dual-function as Texting Zones, and signage will be placed along the highway to inform drivers where the Zones are located. A total of 298 signs will be located along major highways across the state, notifying motorists to 91 Texting Zone locations.

Throughout the state, there was a 365% increase in tickets issued in summer 2013 compared to summer 2012 for distracted driving, a result of an extensive enforcement crackdown by the State Police. This summer, State Police issued 21,580 tickets, surpassing last summer's total of 5,208 tickets.

http://www.empirestatenews.net/News2013/20130924-2.htm