Operation Hang Up in effect through Sunday evening
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: April 23, 2012
State Police are cracking down on drivers talking or texting while on the road.
The crackdown is all part of Operation Hang Up, in an attempt to prevent crashes by changing driving behaviors.
Operation Hang Up will be in effect through Sunday evening.
Police say they're taking a zero tolerance stance and hope this whole week they can educate through enforcement.
The next time you think about picking up the phone without a headset or answering that text message.
Beware says state police.
"We're still seeing a number of violators out there using their cellphones while driving. It's almost to the point where it's being considered an epidemic in the state," said Trooper Keller.
Trooper Jack Keller says they've been receiving a number of calls concerning drivers not paying attention to the road.
To step up enforcement, troopers will crack down on drivers using cell phones and other electronic devices behind the wheel.
Most Central New Yorkers say they support the new initiative.
"They need to get a headset and stop texting or don't do it at all... because it can cause an accident or even kill themselves," said Nora Griffin, an Oneida resident.
If you do spot red and blue lights in your rear view don't expect to be pulled over by a marked police car.
"This new vehicle is called the CITE car the concealed identity traffic enforcement car. The vehicle has been proven in other departments to work very well to locate the violators," said Trooper Keller.
According to the New York State Police, if you're pulled over for talking on your cellphone or texting, you can be fined up to $150 as well as three points on your license.
"If the text message can wait, if the cell phone call can wait, let's wait until they get to the next destination," said Trooper Keller.
Police say drivers talking on their phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash and are at risk 23 more times if texting.
Trooper Keller says last year alone, more than 3,000 people died from texting or talking while driving out on the road.
