It is now illegal to use your cell phone to text, check e-mail or surf the web while driving in New York State.

Governor David Paterson signed the bill into law Thursday.

The ban also covers using laptops or other handheld devices to read, view or send images or data while the vehicle is moving.

Drivers can be fined up to $150.

A Virginia Tech study released last month found texting while driving makes drivers 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

It is already illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving unless you’re using a hands-free device.

Source: NY1

Senator Charles Schumer unveiled a bill Sunday to ban train conductors and bus drivers from texting on the job.

His bill would bar electronic devices inside any public or private vehicle.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority already has rules preventing drivers from texting but Schumer said they do not go far enough.

“Our rules will be tougher and stronger. The MTA has a ban but our rule will have higher fines and penalties, require the driver education and the hotline will be available to make sure this isn’t happening despite the MTA’s rules,” said Schumer. “And then there are no rules for operators of school buses, commuter buses that are run by private companies.”

Schumer said recent deadly mass transit accidents in Boston and Los Angeles prompted the legislation.

In both incidents, operators texted on their cell phones while driving.

Source: NY1

Albany lawmakers agreed yesterday to zap motorists for using any electronic devices — including iPods — while their cars are in motion.

“The iPod is like using the car radio, so I’d question that being a part of the ban,” said Manhattan driver Gina Sangiovanni, 40.

The ban will go into effect in November once Gov. Paterson signs it into law.

The Senate approved the bill 57-1 a month after it was passed by the Assembly.

One guilty driver yesterday admitted to the swerve-inducing behavior and said he was glad to see politicians raising the stop sign.

“Sometimes I text and drive,” admitted Dave St. Bernard, 50, who agreed with the legislation. “I’m sure it is dangerous, but you get complacent sometimes as a driver. You think you can handle anything on the roads that comes your way.”

If a cop sees a driver using a device while committing another traffic infraction, such as speeding or blowing a red light, an extra $150 will soon be tacked onto the ticket.

Source: NY Post