Based on statistics from July 2011 to July 2012, New York City accounts for the vast majority of illegal texting/cellphone tickets.During this period, records show that: 45,910 tickets were issued in Brooklyn, 45,036 in Manhattan, 38,947 in Queens, 12,763 in the Bronx and 5,114 on Staten Island. In each case, the total number of issued tickets was higher than the year before (when the texting law was a secondary offense). For instance, there were 91 tickets issued for illegal texting in the Bronx before the law was changed, and 900 the following year.
Statistics show that during this same period there were nearly 20,000 tickets issued for texting, up from about 4,500 the year before. However, while there were 296,094 tickets issued for using a cellphone between July 2010 and July 2011, that number dropped to 218,323 after the law was changed.
While we strongly urge you to never text and drive, and never use a mobile phone without a hands-free device, the above stats show that doing so in New York City will most likely get a ticket.
2 Comments. Leave new
I would suggest that the texting and cell phone laws would not stand up to a serious challenge. Is there any reason to suppose that texting is any more dangerous than making notes on any keyboard device? Any evidence? Is it lawful to make notes on a “handheld” device (cell phone) vs. a laptop PC? Is it more lawful to carry on a radiotelephone conversation on a PC than on a “cell phone”? Or a “walkie-talkie” or other licensed frequency?
But finally, how to these laws square with 47 USC 333 and federal preemption?
Eugene,
I agree that there are other things that can dangerously distract a driver. However, that doesn’t mean that the distraction of electronic devices should permitted. It is very dangerous and drivers need to be deterred from engaging in such practices, in my opinion.
Matthew Weiss
PS I do not believe that 47 USC 333 preempts these laws. States are generally free to make safety laws involving driving issues.