Distracted drivers can get ticketed

Rapid advances in cell phones and texting devices have contributed to an alarming increase in “distracted driving.” Driving distractions include using a cell phone, text messaging, using a navigation device, tuning a radio or CD player, talking to passengers, tending to children or pets, reading, including maps, eating, drinking and grooming. The primary types of driving distractions are visual by taking your eyes off the road, manual by taking your hands off the wheel and cognitive by taking your mind off what you’re doing. While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distractions. Distracted driving is also against the law. New Jersey is among the states where distracted drivers face a $100 fine plus court costs and fees fine for talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone as a “primary” motor vehicle offense. An officer may ticket a driver for using a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving without any other traffic offense taking place. Pam Fischer, director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, reports that 224,725 citations, an average of 9,770 per month, have been issued to motorists violating New Jersey’s cell phone law during the past 23 months.