New York Senators Push to Toughen Texting at Wheel Law

New York’s Senate Republicans promise to push legislation that would allow police to stop and ticket motorists for texting while driving.

Using a portable electronic device while at the wheel of a moving vehicle in New York is currently a secondary offense, which means that a person can’t be pulled over solely for driving while texting. Instead, it must be tacked on to another offense like speeding.

Legislation sponsored by a dozen Republicans, who have majority control of that chamber, would upgrade it to a primary offense.

A group of Senate Democrats has introduced a similar bill. A companion measure is pending in the Assembly.

The American Automobile Association says driver distraction lasting more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash.