国产一福利

New Yorkers: Put the BlackBerry away if you’re behind the wheel.

New York’s law against texting-while-driving went into effect this month.

The new law forbids the use of mobile devices for reading, typing and sending text messages while driving.

The ban on texting-while-driving calls for fines of up to $150. It was already illegal in the state to talk on a cell phone while driving.

The U.S. Transportation Department reported that 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 were injured last year in crashes connected to driver distraction, often involving mobile devices or cell phones.

New York is the latest Northeast community to put forth a ban on texting-while-driving. Rhode Island will probably be the next.

Earlier this month, Rhode Island’s House of Representatives approved legislation that would ban the practice, brining it one step closer to law.

The ban prohibits drivers from sending, writing or reading a text message while behind the wheel.

Bill sponsor Peter Kilmartin (D-Pawtucket) says the proposal is common sense legislation that will cut injuries and deaths on the state’s roads. The former police officer says he was almost struck by a texting driver while he was working a detail a decade ago.

The Senate had previously approved the bill.

It now goes to the governor for consideration, where it’s expected to pass.

Topics Legislation New York Personal Auto