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New Jersey has unveiled a new campaign titled "U Drive. U Text. U Pay" to curb the peril of distracted driving. Spearheaded by the state Attorney General and transportation officials, the campaign is set to run throughout the month, with a focused aim to clamp down on drivers who engage in texting, talking on the phone, and other forms of distractions while behind the wheel.
This initiative comes as part of a national endeavor to address the growing concern of distracted driving, which has been identified as a major factor in numerous road accidents across the United States. The "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." campaign is not just a local effort but aligns with a broader, nationwide push that includes a dedicated enforcement period from April 4 to April 8, 2024, highlighting the urgency and importance of this issue.
To ensure the effectiveness of this campaign, New Jersey is deploying more than one million dollars in grants towards augmenting patrols specifically targeting distracted drivers. These enhanced enforcement measures are a testament to the state's commitment to improving road safety and reducing the incidents of distracted-driving-related accidents.
Violators caught in the act face steep penalties, with fines reaching up to four hundred dollars for a first offense and escalating to eight hundred dollars for subsequent offenses. These stringent penalties underscore the seriousness with which New Jersey is tackling the problem of distracted driving.
The campaign also features an advertising campaign running until April 8th, aimed at educating the public about the dangers associated with distracted driving and the legal consequences that follow. Through this combination of enforcement and education, the "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." campaign seeks to instill a sense of responsibility among drivers and encourage safer driving practices.