In response to more and more people texting and talking behind the wheel, penalties for distracted driving are going up. The intent of stiffer penalties in New York and elsewhere is discourage drivers from speeding down the highways with their attention directed elsewhere. The goal of the laws is to prevent distracted driving accidents and save lives. But how likely is it that stiffened penalties will have these desired effects?

New York Distracted Driving Laws

In New York, it is against the law to use a hand-held cell phone to make calls or to text or email. Any cellular communications must be hands-free. The only exceptions are in case of emergency, where you are calling the fire, police, or medical responders.

In 2013, there were several changes made to the distracted driving laws of New York. Whereas they used to carry only three driver violation points, the violations now carry five. Also, you can face fines of up to $150 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second, and $400 for third and subsequent offenses.

If you are a probationary or junior driver, you can lose your license for a period of 60 days if you are caught violating the distracted driving laws.

Stricter laws and stiffer penalties apply to truck drivers, or those with a CDL.

The Current State of Distracted Driving

Not only do many more people have cell phones, but many more have smart-phones, capable of nearly everything a hand-held computer would do. Smart phone ownership is higher than ever and a temptation to drivers who always have to be “connected.”

With the growing use of phones and ownership of smart phones comes a growing number of distracted drivers. One study found that 3,331 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2011, while only 3,267 were killed in 2010.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said between the July 4 and Sept. 2 distracted driving crackdown across the state, the number of tickets quadrupled this year compared with the same period last year. In 2012, they wrote 5,208 tickets. This year it was 21,580.

In his announcement to create “texting zones”, where drivers will be directed to pull over and text, Governor Cuomo said there are more accidents in the state of New York attributed to distracted driving than there are to drunk driving.

Will the New Laws Help?

The big question is, will the new laws that seek to mete out harsher penalties for distracted drivers help reduce the risk of distracted driving accidents? Will they keep New York roads safer?

Research has shown that the people who drive while using their smart phones believe that they aren’t at risk. Though they acknowledge the risks of distracted driving, they somehow think they are better at it than other folks and immune to danger. Multi-tasking drivers believe they have it all under control and this is where law enforcement will find the biggest challenge.

Distracted driving is dangerous and can cause crashes involving serious injuries and deaths. The time it takes you to compose or even read a text message could be the time it takes someone to pull out in front of you or for someone to slam on their brakes in traffic.

What’s your opinion on the stiffened distracted driving penalties—are they the solution to a growing problem or is there a better way?