The combination of driving and using a cell phone presents a danger to all drivers in New York State. In 2014, 3,179 people died, and 431,000 injuries occurred in car accidents involving distracted drivers (Distraction.gov, n.d.). The definition of distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving (Distraction.gov, n.d.). Texting and using a cell phone while driving falls into the category of distracted driving. If you use a cell phone while driving, you become visually distracted by taking your eyes off the road. You become manually distracted by taking your hands off the steering wheel and cognitively distracted by taking you mind off driving. In New York State, there are roughly 11 million drivers on the road (Dmv.ny.gov, n.d.). …show more content…
Under New York State law you cannot use a hand-held portable electronic device while driving. New York Vehicle Traffic Law 1225-c prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving. New York Vehicle Traffic Law 1225-d prohibits the use of texting while driving.
New York VTL 1225-d: (d is for device)
• No person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion. No person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device on a public highway while stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays (Safety.ny.gov n.d.).
New York VTL 1225-c: (c is for cell phone)
• No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway while using a mobile telephone to engage in a call while such vehicle is in motion. No person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone to engage in a call on a public highway while stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays