Thruway Authority, State Police Troop T Announce "Operation Hang Up II" Initiative to Begin October 12

ALBANY, NY (10/07/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Police Troop T today announced "Operation Hang Up II," a proactive four-day enforcement of the State law prohibiting the use of hand-held cell phones by motorists while driving, will begin on Monday, October 12, 2009. The enforcement period will continue through Thursday, October 15, 2009.

"Talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving, and taking your undivided attention off the road, poses an unnecessary risk to everyone traveling," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "Troops T's enforcement initiatives, including 'Operation Hang Up II,' are critical in keeping the Thruway one of the safest highways in the nation."

In 2008, the Members of Troop T issued 5,403 tickets to Thruway motorists violating the cell-phone law. During the April 2009, four-day cell phone enforcement initiative, Troop T issued 816 tickets to Thruway motorists violating the cell-phone law.

"Not even the safest driver can fully focus on the road and nearby traffic when using a hand-held device," said Troop T Commander Major Robert C. Meyers. "Enforcement operations such as this are intended to make motorists more aware of the problem and reduce the number of accidents related to cell phone use."

New York State law prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile telephone while one is driving except to call 911 or to contact medical, fire or police personnel about an emergency. Violators who are ticketed face a maximum fine of $100, along with a mandatory $60 surcharge.

"This will be a zero-tolerance enforcement period; if you use a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on the New York State Thruway you should fully expect to receive a ticket from a New York State Trooper," added Major Meyers. "Additionally, motorists on the Thruway can expect Troopers to utilize roving unmarked cars to spot people who are operating their vehicles while using a hand-held cell phone"

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