New Jersey Officials Crack Down on Distracted Driving in May
Why Authorities Are Taking Action
New Jersey officials are intensifying their efforts to combat distracted driving this May, building on the momentum of April’s national awareness month. The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign continues with increased enforcement and public education initiatives across the state. This extended enforcement period targets one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities and injuries on New Jersey roadways.
Distracted driving remains a persistent problem in the Garden State. In 2024, New Jersey saw 688 traffic deaths – a troubling 14% increase that represents the worst pedestrian death rate in three decades. Nearly half of all drivers involved in crashes were engaged in some form of distracted behavior, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of serious injuries annually.
How the May Enforcement Campaign Works
The May enforcement campaign extends the April initiatives where law enforcement agencies across New Jersey received funding to enhance distracted driving enforcement. During the April campaign, 158 police departments received grants totaling over $1 million to conduct saturation patrols specifically targeting drivers using handheld devices or exhibiting other distracted behaviors.
The New Jersey State Police received an additional $211,820 for distracted driving enforcement on major highways including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and interstate highways. This May, these efforts will continue with a particular focus on high-risk areas and times when distracted driving incidents typically spike.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the importance of these campaigns, stating: “Staying focused behind the wheel from the moment you step into your car is crucial in preventing possible tragedies.” The Division of Highway Traffic Safety is committed to both enforcement and education to address this dangerous behavior.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving
While most people associate distracted driving primarily with cell phone use, distractions behind the wheel take many forms:
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road (looking at GPS, watching videos)
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel (eating, adjusting controls)
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving (daydreaming, emotional conversations)
The most dangerous distractions combine all three types – with texting being the prime example. When you text while driving at 55 mph, you travel the length of a football field essentially blindfolded.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in New Jersey
If you’re caught engaging in distracted driving in New Jersey, the consequences are severe:
- First offense: $200-$400 fine
- Second offense: Up to $800 fine
- Third and subsequent offenses: Up to $800 fine, 3 insurance points, and possible license suspension
Beyond the legal penalties, distracted driving can significantly impact your insurance premiums. New Jersey residents see their car insurance rates increase by an average of $370 annually following a distracted driving citation – considerably higher than the national average increase of $220.
High-Risk Areas in New Jersey
Some areas in New Jersey are particularly prone to distracted driving incidents. In Livingston alone, an estimated 35 million vehicles travel through the township annually, resulting in more than 1,200 crashes. Similar hotspots exist throughout the state, especially in densely populated areas and major highway corridors.
The May enforcement campaign will concentrate efforts in these high-risk locations, with officers using both marked and unmarked vehicles to identify drivers violating distracted driving laws.
How You Can Avoid Distracted Driving
To protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road, follow these essential practices:
- Put your phone away: Place it out of reach, in the glove compartment, or backseat.
- Use technology wisely: Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature.
- Prepare before you drive: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and select music before putting the car in motion.
- Secure children and pets: Ensure they’re properly restrained before starting your journey.
- Pull over safely: If you must attend to something that requires your attention, find a safe place to stop.
- Ask passengers for help: Have them handle navigation, communication, or other tasks that would distract you.
The Bigger Picture: Target Zero Initiative
In January 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation establishing the Target Zero Commission, tasked with developing strategies to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. The commission is shaping policies that prioritize safety and mobility for all New Jersey residents, with reducing distracted driving as a key component of this vision.
The May distracted driving enforcement campaign represents an important step toward this ambitious goal. By combining public awareness campaigns with increased enforcement, New Jersey officials aim to create lasting behavioral changes among drivers.
Why This Matters to You
Every time you get behind the wheel, you make choices that affect not only your safety but the safety of everyone sharing the road with you. The few seconds it takes to read or send a text message might seem insignificant, but those moments of distraction can have life-altering consequences.
Remember that New Jersey’s “Move Over Law” requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency crews or road workers. These professionals are particularly vulnerable to distracted drivers and deserve your full attention when you’re passing their work zones.
Stay Safe on New Jersey Roads
The May distracted driving enforcement campaign serves as an important reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. By keeping your attention focused on driving, you contribute to making New Jersey’s roads safer for everyone.
Before you reach for your phone or engage in any distracting activity while driving, ask yourself: Is this worth risking my life or someone else’s? The answer is always no.
Remember: Put the phone away or pay – not just with fines, but potentially with something far more valuable and irreplaceable.
Take the Pledge Against Distracted Driving
Consider taking a formal pledge to avoid distracted driving and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Being an advocate for attentive driving can help create a culture of safety that extends beyond your own vehicle.
By working together and keeping our focus on the road, we can all help reduce the number of distracted driving incidents in New Jersey and save lives in the process.