Livingston Police Will Crack Down On Distracted Driving In April

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston police will be cracking down on “distracted drivers” as part of a statewide traffic campaign in April.

The Livingston Police Department is among the local agencies participating in the latest “Put the Phone Away or Pay” enforcement campaign in New Jersey.

The high-visibility law enforcement initiative will begin on Wednesday, April 1 and continue until the end of the month. Livingston police will be targeting drivers who engage in “dangerous distracted driving behaviors” such as talking on hand-held cell phones or sending text messages.

Driver inattention has remained the most frequently cited cause of fatal and incapacitating crashes in New Jersey, contributing to nearly 50 percent of all crashes statewide.

Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz said there were a total of 6,450 crashes reported to the LPD between 2021 and 2025 – an average of 1,290 crashes per year.

An estimated 36 million vehicles travel through Livingston every year, Marshuetz said.

“New Jersey is one of eight states nationwide to receive federal funds to participate in this crackdown and this benefits our community at a local level because it provides resources to dedicate our focus on the importance of putting the phone down and committing oneself to the primary task of safe driving,” Marshuetz said.

“The ultimate goal of this campaign is to reduce our crashes, which in turn will reduce injuries and save lives in the township,” he added.

What is “distracted driving?” Anything that takes a motorist’s attention away from the road, police said.

There are three main types of distracted driving, authorities say:

• Physical – when a driver takes their hands off the wheel
• Visual – when a driver looks at a passenger or the navigation screen
• Cognitive – when a driver is lost or deep in thought

“The most common example is using a cell phone while driving,” police explained. “This includes holding the phone, texting, or using any of a phone’s apps.”

However, it could also include several other things, authorities added.

“For example, it could be adjusting the heating or cooling system, or looking down at the coffee that dripped onto your seat,” police said. “Moreover, it can include looking at a navigation system or switching the radio station. In some cases, it can be having a conversation with the passenger in your car.”

Here are some tips for safer driving, police suggested:

• 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.

For more information about the upcoming traffic enforcement campaign in Livingston, contact the LPD Traffic Bureau at 973-992-3000, ext. #3800.

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