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New Jersey has launched the "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign to combat distracted driving throughout April. With $1 million in state grants, 158 law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, county sheriff offices, and university police, will increase patrols to enforce laws against texting and other distractions while driving. The New Jersey State Police received an additional $211,820 to focus on major highways like the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
In 2023, distracted driving led to 160 deaths and over 1,400 serious injuries in New Jersey. The campaign aims to reduce these numbers by combining public awareness efforts with strict enforcement. Drivers caught using handheld devices face fines ranging from $200 to $400 for a first offense, increasing to $800 and insurance points for repeat violations.
According to The Lakewood Scoop, the campaign is part of a broader effort to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving and encourage safer driving habits. Last year, similar efforts resulted in over 9,000 citations for cell phone use or texting and nearly 4,800 for careless driving.
The campaign highlights the importance of adhering to traffic laws to ensure the safety of all road users. As distracted driving remains a significant issue, New Jersey's initiative serves as a reminder to drivers to stay focused and avoid using phones while driving.