Over 300 tickets issued in Lakewood during “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign thus far

The “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign is still ongoing, and over 300 motorist in Lakewood have already been ticketed, Police Chief Greg Meyer tells TLS.

The campaign began April 1 and runs through April 21.

The crackdowns are similar in scope to the “Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” mobilizations, which have targeted impaired driving and seat belt usage, respectively. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort, which was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and will coincide with nationally-observed Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The national “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” enforcement blitz will also be supported by a multi-million dollar national advertising campaign, designed to raise awareness about the enforcement effort and remind people about the deadly consequences of driving and texting.

Researchers have found that distracted driving is a major problem, especially for young drivers. According to the AAA Foundation, analysis of crash videos of teen drivers found significant evidence that distracted driving is likely much more widespread than previously known. The organization’s new findings, issued earlier this month, found that distraction was a factor in nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe teen crashes, which is four times as many as official estimates based on police reports.

Researchers analyzed the six seconds leading up to a crash in nearly 1,700 videos of teen drivers taken from in-vehicle event recorders. The results showed that distraction was a factor in 58 percent of all crashes studied; including 89 percent of road-departure crashes and 76 percent of rear-end crashes. NTHSA previously has estimated that distraction is a factor in only 14 percent of all teen driver crashes.

It is illegal in New Jersey to operate a motor vehicle while using a handheld electronic device. Violating this law subjects motorists to fines of $200 to $400 for a first offense and could increase to $800 and three insurance points in subsequent violations.

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11 COMMENTS

  1. While I think the “Gotcha” attitude of these cops is a little too intense, I am still amazed at how many ppl still drive holding their phones, in 2017, so many years after it became illegal. Even more dangerous, it’s starting how many ppl r still texting and driving. Including me.

  2. While I agree to the concept, there were several people that I know who were accused that they were on their phone, when it was false. I don’t believe in that. I also feel that those who were ticketed wrongly in this blitz should gather against it and there alleged violation. There is no reason people should suffer with points for several years for a false claim.

  3. To no 1 and 2. Cops are doing it too so obviously it’s a law that’s not sustainable in today’s world. They can increase the penalties as much as they want it’s not gonna help

  4. This program should be continued. I drive in Lakewood, and I’m very happy that 300 people may now hesitate before driving with one hand while holding a phone in the other. The law is very sustainable, we just have too many drivers who think their phone call is more important than other peoples lives and property.

  5. U text u drive YOU PARK IN A DISABLED PARKING SPOT .
    You should be ashamed of yourself young health guys don’t stop to think that these parking spots were made for people who need them .

  6. A bochur we know is now disabled due to an accident in Lakewood. He was told by a Mekubal in Israel that both parties were used to parking in spaces reserved for the handicapped. He is a child of the driver. True story.

  7. I feel if you are on your cell phone and run school bus lights, tickets should be a lot more. Now you are putting children’s safety at risk.

Comments are closed.