Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced a high visibility enforcement campaign against distracted driving running from April 1 through April 30. The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” initiative provides funding for law enforcement agencies to enfo rce laws prohibiting texting and other forms of distracted driving. HTS has also launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of distracted driving. Preliminary data from 2023 indicates that 48 percent of drivers involved in crashes in New Jersey were engaged in distracted behavior, resulting in 160 fatalities and over 1,400 serious injuries. “Combining public awareness campaigns like this with increased enforcement efforts against distracted driving help ensure that drivers keep their attention on the road and off their phones,” said Platkin. “Staying focused behind the wheel from the moment you step into your car is crucial in preventing a possible tragedy. Working together, we can help make roadways across New Jersey safer.” HTS has provided 158 law enforcement agencies in 19 counties with over $1 million in grants to fund saturation patrols during the month-long campaign. These patrols target drivers engaging in distracted behaviors such as texting or talking on the phone. The New Jersey State Police received an additional $211,820 for distracted driving enforcement on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, interstates, and other roadways they patrol. “Every second behind the wheel demands a driver’s full attention,” said Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, HTS remains unwavering in its dedication to educating drivers about the consequences of distracted driving and is fully committed to equipping our law enforcement partners with the essential resources to swiftly address and remove distracted drivers from our roads.” In New Jersey, using a handheld electronic device while driving is illegal. Penalties include fines from $200 to $400 for first offenses and up to $800 for subsequent violations, plus three insurance points. The 2024 distracted driving enforcement campaign resulted in 9,055 citations for cell phone use or texting and nearly 4,800 for careless driving. ...read more read less