An AAA study released today debunks the myth that voice-activated and hands-free devices eliminate driver distraction concluding that drivers who use hands-free devices to talk, text, send emails or give voice commands can “overload” their attention span. Commands that are not short and simple are not too distracting. But checking email or Facebook accounts significantly impair concentration levels.
Researchers mounted cameras inside a car to track eye and head movements. The participants were fitted with electroencephalographic (EEG) caps to chart brain activity, helping researchers determine the “mental workload.” Response time to traffic lights was recorded using a “Detection-Response-Task” device.
Listening to the radio presented a minimal risk. Talking on a cellphone, whether handheld or hands free, presented a moderate risk. However, listening and responding to a voice-activated email program created an “extensive” risk.
Starting June 1, 2013, cell phone violations and texting & driving violations now carry 5 points (up from 3). A cell phone violation occurs when a driver uses a phone without a hands-free device. A texting and driving violation occurs when a driver “uses” an electronic device while driving. The terms “use”, “electronic device” and “while driving” are all construed liberally meaning that you cannot even hold your device while behind the wheel of a car that is not parked.
On October 31, 1968, 4-year old Carolee Sadie Ashby was tragically struck and killed as she crossed a street in her upstate New York home of Oswego. Russ Johnson, a dogged, retired Fulton police detective, was able to solve this cold case via a Facebook post with the details of the case.
The National Transportation Safety Board proposed last week that states lower their drinking and driving limits from .08 to .05. Currently, all states criminalize drinking and driving (DWI) for motorists with a blood-alcohol level (BAC) of .08% or more.
Click it or ticket it campaign starts today thru June 2nd. Check points and strict enforcement in NY, CT & NJ.
If you get a pink ticket for reckless driving. You need to know some basic information about this serious charge. Reckless driving is both a crime and a moving violation. VTL § 1212 defines reckless driving as follows:
Last February, I wrote a post entitled “
In this post, we will discuss how long accidents, traffic ticket convictions, and suspensions and revocations remain on a driver record.
The requirement of installing an interlock device for those convicted of driving while intoxicated has become commonplace in New York. This device prevents someone from driving a car with requiring him or her to prove sobriety by blowing into a tube.
Based on statistics from July 2011 to July 2012, New York City accounts for the vast majority of illegal texting/cellphone tickets.
Last week, we discussed whether a motorist stopped at a red light is “in motion” for purpose of New York’s cell phone law under 
