New York State Police Cracking Down On Texting Drivers

11/18/2012 (Updated 10:28:21 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- According to the national highway safety administration, there were over 3,000 deaths last year due to distracted driving.

"Someone will be kind of swerving back and forth and sure enough they're texting," said 18-year-old Cameron Larnerd.

New York State police want you to know they will track you down if you break cell phone laws.  There will be additional enforcement this week for "Operation Hang-Up," and police will be in unmarked and marked vehicles.

"I do not text and drive.  I'm totally against it.  I can't even do it," said Darlene Potter of Endicott.

Texting while driving was made illegal in New York in July of 2011. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that made the act a primary offense. Although the ban has led to more texting-while-driving tickets, some people tell us that they still do it.

"When I do, I completely stop, like at a red light or a stop sign or something.  And I really try not to while I'm driving," said Brittany Proffitt of Cortland.

"It's just a habit and it's a bad thing.  But I've not had any problems," said Ray Hammonds, visiting from Ohio.

If you are caught talking on the phone or texting while driving, the penalities are high.  You may have to pay a $100 or $150 fine and it will also cost you a few points on your driving record.

Samantha McDonald, Fox 40 News.

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