Major Edward Raso, Troop “F” Commander today announced that during the Thanksgiving Holiday, the New York State Police will conduct a traffic enforcement campaign called OPERATION HANG UP, targeting motorists that use their cell phone and other electronic devices while driving. Cell phone use and texting while driving continue to proliferate despite widespread public concern and acknowledgement that the behaviors are dangerous.

They support widespread increased enforcement. Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that drivers who use hand held devices (phones, blackberries, etc.) are four times more likely to be involved in crashes that are serious enough to cause injuries. At average highway speeds, in three seconds you will travel the length of a football field.

Traffic volumes are heaviest during Thanksgiving. This increases the risk highway crashes for everyone. Major Raso noted that every available state trooper will be on patrol during this week, watching for people using cell phones as well as other electronic devices. Of course, speeders, impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and other traffic violators will also be cited, where appropriate.

Violators who are ticketed face a maximum fine of $100, along with a mandatory $60 surcharge