Put Down that Phone on the Thruway Through April 15 (and Beyond)

New York state police announce the commencement of Operation Hang Up on the state Thruway April 10-15. 

Cell phone use and texting are responsible for a significant proportion of traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths; and these behaviors continue to become increasingly common despite their obvious danger.  

"The State Police are committed to keeping our highways safe for all motorists. This campaign is about protecting travelers from preventable injuries and property damage caused by distracted drivers using electronic devices", said Major Mallard, Troop T Commander. 

In response, Troop T has made distracted driving enforcement a priority.  While troopers are asked to enforce New York’s handheld phone and electronic devices laws at all times, statewide crackdowns on these violations, known as "Operation Hang up," will be conducted during specified periods to raise awareness and deterrence.  The dates for this year’s spring "Operation Hang-Up Campaign" correspond with a coordinated nationwide effort to combat distracted driving through ad campaigns and enforcement. 

Operation Hang-Up will run from Thursday, April 10, through Tuesday, April 15, 2014.