Police Crack Down On Texting & Driving In Somerset, Hunterdon Counties

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Law Enforcement in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) for the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort.

From April 1 to 30, law enforcement officers will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws.

According to NHTSA, nearly 32,483 people died in distraction-affected crashes over the 10-year period from 2011 to 2020. In 2021, there were 3,522 deaths linked to driver distraction, or 8 percent of all motor-vehicle crash fatalities. This is an increase of 380 fatalities compared to
2020.

Research shows that Millennials and Generation Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel.

According to NHTSA research from 2017, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007.

In 2020, 7 percent of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted.

"Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving," said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. "People know texting and driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and it puts others at risk. Beginning April 3, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay."

Many drivers are guilty of a "double standard" when it comes to distracted driving. In its 2018 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the AAA Foundation reported that while nearly 96 percent of drivers believed it was very or extremely dangerous to read a text or email while driving, 4 out of 10 drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days.

Drive Safe Every Trip

McDonald and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit-forming.

Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s "Do Not Disturb" feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.