New York, NY – The NYPD are cracking down today on drivers using hand-held cell phones.
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“The NYPD reminds all New Yorkers that the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle is illegal,” police said in a news release. “In addition, driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous and endangers both drivers and pedestrians.”
Police said that for 24 hours, they will be on the lookout for violators, who face a fine of $130.
In 2008, the New York City police gave out an average of 536 summonses each day for the infraction. During another 24-hour crackdown March 12, police issued close to 9,000 summonses.
A driver is 100% just as dangerous if he talks on the phone using a handheld, just the same as using a phone hands free. It makes zero difference.
The problem with talking on the phone is that the driver is distracted, and incapacitated even more than a DWI driver and that is irrelevant if handheld or hands-free.
The only difference is that it’s unenforceable because how can a cop give you a ticket unless he sees you holding a handheld.
The only real solution is for new technology to disable phones while a car is in motion.
As long as the cops pulling people over aren’t doing the same thing.
This is great but who will crack down on police officers talking on their cell phones while driving in police cars. I also certain that anyone pulled over who shows that he is “on the job” will be allowed to continue without paying the $130 fine. Let’s treat everyone equally.
Nice way to cover the Bank
Which 24 hour period? I don’t talk on my hand held cell phone while driving, but it pays to be extra careful when the cops are in their zero tolerance mode for 24 hours. Anything that may make them think you may be on the phone will be reason for trouble.
police officers are exepmt from the law
It is dangerous to drive while talking on the cellphone (true, even if you are talking wireless, but more so if one hand is holding a phone)). It is your life that you are endagering, plus the life of your family, or any other driver or pedestrian near you. If you text while driving you are a murderer,
Please – “v’nishmartem m’od l’nafshosaichem” is a mitzva d’oraissa even more than eating matza on Pesach, and fasting on Yom Kippur.
The life you save may be your own, and the life you kill may also be c’v your own, or another dear person.
Actually, the same is true of those that talk on the cell while walking and crossing intersections.
Maybe we should outlaw cell phones entirely – we will save lives, reduce stress, and increase our kavana when davening.