By Briana Vannozzi
Correspondent
“I would never text and drive, but I know a lot of people that I’ve seen do it,” said Olga Nicalaou.
So have most drivers on New Jersey roadways and according to AAA nearly 30 percent of all motorists admit to typing or sending a text or email while driving.
“What we’ve seen over these last few years is an increase in injuries and fatalities that are directly due to driver distractions from cell phone use and texting and driving,” said NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Chairman and Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez.
That’s why the state is cracking down and rolling out a new campaign called “Just Drive” aimed at those multitasking motorists.
“It’s hoped that this type of a campaign will provide the similar results we’ve seen with our Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign,” said NJ Highway Traffic Safety Director Gary Poedubicky.
At the heart of it will be advertisements reminding drivers it’s against the law.
“Television, radio, billboards, digital signs, posters,” said Martinez.
And an interactive website, with safety tips, a rundown of the penalties and an area to share stories.
“Two years ago over 3,000 people were killed, almost a half a million people injured in distracted driving collisions. That’s whether talking on the phone, hand held phone, texting or some other distraction in the vehicle,” said National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Regional Administrator Thomas Louizou.
This campaign is the result of a law the governor signed back in July to show they mean business they increased the fines for anyone driving and using a hand held device. Your first offense would see a minimum of $200, the second offense between $400 and $600 and for your third offense up to $800 and a 90-day suspension of your license.
“If you take your eyes off the road for five seconds and you’re going 55 miles per hour, that’s like going the length of a football field with a blindfold on,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.
New data from AAA shows that in just the last 30 days:
Two thirds of drivers reported talking on their cell phone.
One in three say they speak on it and often.
And another third admit reading a text message or email.
When asked if he’s ever caught himself glancing down at his cell phone to see who’s calling or sending a message, Tony Nicalaou said, “Oh yes I did. Picking it up, yes a few times.”
“It’s not worth it. Just put it down, turn it off, don’t worry about it. You can always look at it afterwards,” said Nicalaou.
Just Drive rolls out this week.