Collingswood Take Note: Targeted Distracted Driving Enforcement Afoot

Collingswood NJ

10 April, 2022

5:30 AM

Description

NEW JERSEY – Local police departments across the Garden State will be teaming up with New Jersey State Police as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month from now until April 30, a press release from the State Attorney General's Office said. The commemoration, held annually each April, seeks to bring greater attention to the risks that come when a driver takes his or her eyes off the wheel, according to a press release. This year's awareness month kicked off with several state agencies releasing new data that indicated almost one-third of all fatal crashes in New Jersey from 2011 to 2020 involved a distracted driver. Half of all crashes during that same time also had a distracted driver, that data also showed. "Distracted driving continues to be a serious problem in New Jersey," New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said in the press release. "Drivers are responsible for their actions behind the wheel of a vehicle. Please put the phone down and eliminate other driving distractions so the focus can be on driving safely." The use of a handheld electronic device while driving in New Jersey is illegal, according to the press release. First-time offenders face fines ranging from $200 to $400 and repeat offenders face higher fines and points on their driver's license, the press release also said. --- Hi there, South Jersey! Got a news tip? Story idea? Email me the details at [email protected]. You can also get Patch local and statewide news alerts sent directly to your phone by downloading our new app.