By: Richard L. Smith
As April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is ramping up its efforts to combat one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road—distracted driving.
A national high-visibility law enforcement campaign will roll out throughout the month, targeting motorists who engage in texting and other forms of distraction behind the wheel.
Under the slogan “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” officers nationwide will intensify patrols and issue citations to those caught violating distracted driving laws.
The campaign comes in response to alarming data: in 2022 alone, 3,308 lives were lost, and an estimated 289,310 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers, according to NHTSA.
Officials believe the true numbers are likely higher due to limitations in reporting and data collection limitations.
“Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic collisions on our roadways, and much of it stems from cell phone use,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald. “People understand the risks, and they know it's often illegal—but they continue to do it anyway, putting countless lives in jeopardy.”
Locally, both Somerset and Hunterdon Counties will see heightened law enforcement activity throughout April. Police will be on the lookout for drivers who are texting, using apps, or otherwise distracted by their phones. “If you text and drive, you will pay,” McDonald warned.
New Jersey’s penalties for distracted driving are steep. First-time offenders face fines ranging from $200 to $400. A second offense carries a penalty between $400 and $600, while third and subsequent violations can cost drivers anywhere from $600 to $800.
NHTSA is urging all drivers to take proactive steps to eliminate distractions and prioritize safety every time they get behind the wheel.
Their advice includes:
- Pull over safely if you need to read or send a message that can’t wait.
- Let a passenger serve as your “designated texter” to handle communication.
- Never scroll through social media or check notifications while driving.
- Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or stow the device out of reach—in the glove box, back seat, or trunk—until you’ve reached your destination.
“Using a cell phone while driving is not only illegal—it’s a dangerous habit that can have deadly consequences,” said McDonald. “Breaking that habit could save your life or someone else’s.”
As law enforcement steps up its presence this month, the message is clear: distractions behind the wheel won’t be tolerated. Drivers are urged to stay focused, stay alert, and most importantly—put the phone away.