453 cited in distracted driving crackdown
BURLINGTON TWP. Burlington Township Police have announced the results of their participation in the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Distracted Driving 2015 Statewide Crackdown.
BURLINGTON TWP. Burlington Township Police have announced the results of their participation in the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Distracted Driving 2015 Statewide Crackdown.
From April 1 to 21, patrol officers dedicated 170 hours to the "U Drive, U Text, U Pay" initiative and issued 453 motor vehicle summonses, according to a police department release.
Among the tickets were 77 for cellphone/texting, 30 for driving with a suspended license, 25 for speeding, and 21 for failure to wear seat belts. Officers also made three arrests for driving while intoxicated and two for possession of narcotics, the release said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16 percent of motor vehicle accidents in 2013 were classed as "distraction-affected crashes."
The Police Department urges drivers to "turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive" and to "speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving."
Passengers should offer to make calls for drivers if necessary, the department said.
— Jan Hefler
