GIANARIS PRAISES NEW TRAFFIC LAW

Queens Gazette wrote about the effectiveness of the Distracted Driving Bill:

State Senator Michael Gianaris (D–Astoria) has praised the effectiveness of a new law, enacted recently, which has led to double the number of drivers ticketed for texting while driving in August 2011 than in August 2010.

The Distracted Driving Bill makes the use of portable devices while driving a primary offense, said Gianaris. But “previously using these devices while behind the wheel was a secondary offense and police could only stop motorists if they were committing another, primary offense—such as speeding or running another red light,” said Gianaris.

The lawmaker explained, “Too often, serious accidents are a result of activities such as texting while driving. The Distracted Driving Bill forces drivers to be more attentive and allows police to more easily prevent violations before harm is done. It is clear that the diligent enforcement of this law has made our roadways safer and resulted in fewer accidents.”

Read the full article here.