State And Local Police To Crack Down On Distracted Drivers

State Police and local law enforcement are taking part in a statewide crackdown on distracted driving.

The enforcement effort, called Operation Hang Up, will include increased patrols and checkpoints targeting drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel.

The detail will run today through Monday, April 16th.

State Police Superintendent George Beach said, “Motorists who disregard the law and the dangers of using a smartphone while driving could face stiff penalties. Our Troopers will be highly visible and vigilant in our enforcement efforts, as we seek to eliminate the tragedies caused by distracted driving.”

Preliminary data indicates a more than 1,100 percent increase in tickets for texting while driving in New York State from 2011 to 2017, including a 20 percent increase from 2016 to 2017. .

The campaign is part of April's National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.