MORRIS COUNTY — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways, say police. Statistics from the Office of the Attorney General show that from 2012 to 2016, nearly 800,000 crashed in New Jersey that involved a distracted driver. In New Jersey, driver inattention remains the most significant cause of fatal and incapacitating crashes. Distracted Driving is any activity that takes a person’s attention away from driving. These distractions include:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
New Jersey law bans the use of a handheld cell phone while driving. Drivers who talk or text on a handheld cell phone while driving face a fine.
From April 1-21, 2021, police officers, will conduct special enforcement patrols targeting distracted drivers. The enforcement will take the form of roving patrols and fixed checkpoints.
