Politics & Government

State Sets Up Driver 'Texting Zone'

State highways – including in Huntington – will feature pull-off to park and use mobile devices.

Ninety-one new pull-offs have been designated as special "Texting Zones" along the state Thruway and state highways, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

That includes two rest areas on the LIE between exits 51 & 52, one in each direction. The nearest cross street is Carlls Straight Path.

The new zones will give motorists and area to park and use their mobile devices. Existing park-and-ride facilities, rest stops and parking areas along the Thruway and highways will serve as texting zones. Signage will be placed along the highway to inform drivers. 

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Cuomo also said there’s been a 365 percent jump in the number of traffic tickets issued (21,580 by State Police alone) this summer for distracted driving compared with the same period in 2012. 

Three quarters of the tickets issued between July 4 and Labor Day were for cell phone use. 

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“New York State is continuing to use every tool at its disposal to combat texting-while-driving,” Cuomo said. “In addition to tougher penalties, new detection methods for State Police and ongoing public outreach efforts, we are now launching special Texting Zones to allow motorists to pull over and use their phones.” 



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