(Long Island, NY) “Far too often, we’ve seen the devastating and fatal consequences of young drivers texting behind the wheel,” Assemblyman Edward Hennessey (D-Medford) said. “I spearheaded this measure through the Assembly to crack down on this problem before we lose more innocent lives to reckless driving. This new law sends a clear message out to young, inexperienced drivers: Texting while driving will not be tolerated in New York State.”
Currently, probationary and junior licensed drivers face a 60 day suspension for traffic violations such as speeding or reckless driving. If another violation occurs within six months, probationary license drivers will have their license revoked for six months and junior license drivers will have their license revoked for 60 days. This new legislation, which takes effect immediately, will impose these same penalties on drivers with probationary and junior licenses for texting while driving (A.7739).
“I am the father of two boys so I face these fears every day my children get into a car,” Hennessey said. “We need all drivers, especially young drivers, to understand that any message they think they need to read or send can wait – their lives, as well as others, may depend on it.”
From 2005-2011, there has been an approximate 143 percent increase in cell phone-related crashes in New York State. In 2011-2012 there was a 234 percent increase in the number of tickets issued for texting while driving, Assemblyman Hennessey noted.
“By increasing the penalties for texting while driving, we are sending a clear message that drivers must focus on driving, not reading or sending text messages,” Assemblyman Hennessey concluded.
