Harrison UDrive. UText. UPay Distractive Driving Law Enforcement

Throughout the month of April 2022, the Harrison Police Department will using special funding to increase traffic patrols to encourage drivers not to text or otherwise use a handheld telephone while driving.  The campaign, UDrive, UText. UPay is a law enforcement initiative targeting motorists who engage in distracted driving behaviors such as talking on a hand-held phone and sending a text message while driving.

Distracted driving is a serious issue.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 3000 persons are killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated 431,000 person were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.

Despite the fact that using a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving is illegal in New Jersey, the practice appears to be widespread, according to the press release. In a recent survey conducted by the FDU Public Mind Poll for the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, 67 percent of respondents said they “very often” see people driving and talking on a hand-held cell phone and 42 percent of respondents said they “very often” see drivers texting.

The campaign is being carried out during April, which the National Safety Council has designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The New Jersey campaign is modeled after similar successful high-visibility enforcement programs such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.