N.Y. tries limiting driver phone use

Albany Times Union

ALBANY, N.Y. — The new law making it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving in New York takes effect Nov. 1, but there has been no public education blitz and little fanfare in the state.

The main reason is that the police and lawmakers have been busy dealing with the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The state police superintendent, James McMahon, said the department will begin educating drivers next week. For the first month, violators will be issued warnings. On Dec. 1, police will begin issuing tickets that can bring fines of up to $100 for a first offense.

Sales of hands-free devices have not been as brisk as expected since the law was signed in June, but there could be a run when people realize the Nov. 1 deadline is approaching.

New York will become the first state where concerns about the dangers of driving and using hand-held cell phones has prompted legislation outlawing the practice.

But earlier this year, as New York lawmakers shaped their law banning hand-held phones, two studies were released indicating that using cell phones with hands-free devices — such as speakerphones or headsets — can be just as distracting to drivers as holding the phone to their ear. It is the conversation, not the physical act of operating the phone, that is distracting drivers, the studies found.