At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, safety on the road is more than a seasonal initiative—it’s a year-round commitment. This April, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we stand with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), and the Attorney General’s Office to amplify a critical message: put the phone away or pay.
Why This Month Matters
In 2024, New Jersey experienced a 14% increase in traffic fatalities, reaching a 30-year high in pedestrian deaths, according to New Jersey State Police. With 688 lives lost in 651 crashes, it’s clear: distracted driving is not just dangerous—it’s deadly.
This campaign, supported by Governor Murphy’s proclamation and spearheaded by NJDOL’s Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH), is focused on protecting public workers and all road users across the state. From crossing guards and construction workers to law enforcement and emergency responders, these individuals are risking their lives every day to keep New Jersey’s roads safe.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts your attention from driving. This includes:
- Texting or using a handheld device
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting navigation or audio settings
- Talking to passengers or multitasking behind the wheel
If your eyes are off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the task at hand—you’re driving distracted.
The Cost of Inattention
Distracted driving doesn’t just affect drivers—it impacts everyone:
- Road workers and public safety personnel are at higher risk when drivers are unfocused.
- Pedestrians and cyclists are more vulnerable during inattentive driving moments.
- Families lose loved ones in preventable accidents every year.
As NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor emphasized, “It’s our responsibility to create a culture of safety where distracted driving is no longer tolerated.”
Statewide Enforcement and Awareness
To curb the rising threat, the state has launched a coordinated response:
- “Put the Phone Away or Pay” Enforcement Campaign: Law enforcement is increasing efforts throughout April to ticket drivers who text, scroll, or call behind the wheel.
- Move Over Law Reminder: Drivers must slow down or change lanes for emergency and service vehicles with flashing lights—failure to do so can have deadly consequences.
- Public Education Push: Agencies like HTS and the MVC are rolling out awareness tools to educate the public on how simple actions can save lives.
What You Can Do Today
5 Steps to Safer Driving
- Silence Your Phone: Turn off notifications or place it out of reach.
- Plan Ahead: Set your GPS and music before hitting the road.
- Focus on the Task: Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Respect Road Workers: Slow down and be extra cautious in work zones.
- Talk to New Drivers: Encourage teens and young adults to lead by example.
For more information on Distracted Driving and how to avoid it, please visit click here.
