Thruway Authority, State Police Troop T Pleased with Success of "Operation Hang Up II" Enforcement

• by New York State Thruway Authority

ALBANY, NY (10/19/2009)(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, which began on Monday, October 12, 2009, was a well-received success.

"'Operation Hang Up II,' was a worthwhile enforcement initiative designed to stress the importance of not using hand-held cell phones while driving along the Thruway," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "Enforcement initiatives such as this help keep the Thruway one of the safest highways in the nation; Troop T is to be commended for their dedication to keeping Thruway motorists safe."

During last week's four-day enforcement period, Troop T issued 903 tickets to Thruway motorists violating the law. During the April 2009, four-day cell phone enforcement initiative, Troop T issued 816 tickets to Thruway motorists violating the cell-phone law.

"During this zero-tolerance enforcement period, the Members of New York State Police Troop T issued 903 tickets to drivers on the Thruway who were using hand-held cell phones. This aggressive enforcement is not over, as Troopers will continue to increase compliance by enforcing this law to stop motorists from using hand-held cell phones while driving" said Troop T Commander Major Robert C. Meyers. "Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is an inherently dangerous activity and, simply put, motorists who choose to use their hand-held cell phone while driving should fully expect to receive a ticket."

In 2008, the Members of Troop T issued 5,403 tickets to Thruway motorists violating the cell-phone law.

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.

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