On Monday, April 23, 2012, the New York State Police began "Operation Hang Up", a week long enhanced enforcement campaign designed to target motorists that use their cell phone and other electronic devices while driving.
In an April 21, 2012 press release, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated that "[u]sing a cell phone while driving is illegal and puts other motorists in danger." "After the huge success of the first Operation Hang Up – when more than 800 distracted drivers were ticketed – this second campaign will enable State Police to step up enforcement measures to send a clear message to drivers: keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel."
It is reported that 150 people were ticketed in the first 12 hours of this campaign. Since the beginning of 2012, New York State Officials report that 65,081 people have been ticketed for using cell phones and other hand held devices while driving.
The first Operation Hang Up took place last year around Thanksgiving, when State Police ticketed more than 800 drivers. The program is funded through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was earmarked for anti-distracted driving programs.
"Operation Hang Up" runs from Monday, April 23, 2012 through Sunday, April 29, 2012.