The state begins a crackdown on texting drivers today, with more police and new text-detecting equipment in unmarked cars, officials said.
“Distracted driving kills. Period,” said Gov. Cuomo (pictured), who on Monday signed into law harsher penalties for teens who text behind the wheel.
State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said checkpoints will be set up through the end of the holiday weekend to enforce rules on impaired driving, seat belts, child-safety restraints, speeding and underage drinking.
D’Amico said there would be added police presence beginning today in marked and unmarked cars to catch texting drivers.
Cuomo said 43 percent of teens admit to texting while behind the wheel.
“This device can e-mail, it can text, it can take pictures and it can be dangerous,” Cuomo said.