NY To Study Textalyzers, Evan's Law Supporters See Hope [VIDEO]

CHAPPAQUA, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Traffic Safety Committee is going to study "Textalyzer" technology, which is designed to detect if a cellphone was used in the moments before a crash. The committee will hear from advocates who support this technology along with other stakeholders and issue a report on their findings.

It's great news for Ben Lieberman of Chappaqua, who has been a staunch advocate for Textalyzer technology since he lost his 19-year-old son, Evan, in a 2011 collision caused by a distracted driver.

Lieberman helped New Castle officials implement a local campaign against distracted driving and has been working closely with Senator Terrence Murphy and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz to implement statewide Textalyzer legislation named in honor of his son. He is co-founder of Distracted Operators Risk Casualties (pithy motto: Keep The DORCS Off the Road).

"This is great news. Presently we are battling both distracted driving and bad information," he said. "Having a detailed evaluation is exactly what is needed. I think this will give a greater understanding of the growing problem and highlight how meticulously privacy is going to be protected."

How big is the problem? According to a December 2016 report by The Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, 12 people were killed in New York State and 2,784 people were injured in cell phone crashes between 2011 and 2015. During that time, 1.2 million tickets were issued for cell phone violations. A total of 217,021 tickets were issued for cell phone violations in 2015, down 16 percent from 2011. Of the tickets given in 2015, 39 percent were for texting.

"I'm thrilled that Governor Cuomo is directing his Traffic Safety Committee to study the 'Textalyzer,'" said New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein. "I'm incredibly proud that New Castle is leading the effort to combat this dangerous epidemic on our roads. Our education and enforcement efforts are being used as a model across the state, and have been recognized at the national level. But, we need to give our police departments the tools they need to collect data and hold drivers accountable. I look forward to the day when New York enables police to examine phones at an accident site using the textalyzer.”

Murphy has promoted the use of Textalyzer technology for several years. In 2016, he sponsored S6325A, legislation providing law enforcement to for the use of mobile telephones and portable electronic devices while driving after an accident or collision.

"I am pleased that the Governor has embraced the idea that Textalyzer technology can be a vital tool for law enforcement agencies," said Murphy. "As the Committee gathers its information, I am certain they will discover what I already know - that Textalyzer technology can save lives."

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and its member agencies will study:

• Existing technology;
• Constitutional and legal issues associated with the implementation and use of such technology;
• Implementation and use of such technologies in other jurisdictions;
• Statutory amendments necessary for the implementation and use of such technology in New York; and
• Any other issues deemed necessary.

At the conclusion of the study, a report will be issued on their research and next steps. Meetings with interested parties will be scheduled by the committee.

"Despite laws to ban cellphone use while driving, some motorists still continue to insist on texting behind the wheel -- placing themselves and others at substantial risk," Cuomo said in his announcement. "This review will examine the effectiveness of using this new emerging technology to crack down on this reckless behavior and thoroughly evaluate its implications to ensure we protect the safety and privacy of New Yorkers."

PHOTO/ Sen. Murphy's Office