The Riverhead Police Department is ramping up its enforcement to combat distracted driving from today through Monday, the department said in a press release.
The effort is part of a statewide campaign to target vehicle and traffic law violations involving the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, police said. The campaign’s tagline is “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” and is meant to remind drivers during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month of the deadly dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving, police said.
In 2001, New York State was the first to ban using a hand-held cell phone while driving and enacted legislation in 2009 prohibiting texting while driving and using other portable electronic devices, police said.
Police said drivers can follow these steps for a safer drive:
- If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
- Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
- Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
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