NHTSA and Law Enforcement Remind Drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign reminds drivers of the deadly risks and legal consequences, including fines of texting and messaging while behind the wheel. Law enforcement nationwide will work together to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to NHTSA, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, due to data collection limitations, we know that these statistics are underestimates. “Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald. “It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences,” he said.

Somerset and Hunterdon County drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts throughout the month, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. Violating New Jersey’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. A first offense can range from $200 to $400; a second offense is $400 to $600; a third or subsequent offense can range from $600 to $800, 3 points and possible license suspensions.

Safe Driving Phone-Free Driving Habits

NHTSA urges drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel and to adopt these phone-free driving habits:

· Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to read or send a text message.

· Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the ride.

· Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.

· Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.

· Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of distracted driving.

Remember: Put the Phone Away or Pay.

For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/Distracted.

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