Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - As a two-week enforcement effort continues, the number of tickets issued for using a cell phone while driving is adding up. Already, more than 900 tickets have been issued by the police agencies taking part.
A $300,000 Federal and State grant is paying for Syracuse to be one of two cities involved in a pilot program, to see if a law enforcement crackdown and advertising efforts are effective in stopping people from using their phones while driving. The program, called "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other," began on April 8 and
Syracuse Police have written the most tickets, but Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputies and State Police are also participating.
In early February, Sheriff's Departments across the state had not written many tickets for texting while driving. However, in the first three days of the campaign, 55 tickets were handed out for the offense. 869 tickets were also issued for illegally talking on a cell phone.
Tickets issued between April 8 and April 11:
| Using Cell Phones Illegally While Driving
| Texting While Driving
|
Syracuse Police
| 512
| 51
|
State Police
| 92
| 3
|
Onondaga County Sheriffs
| 265
| 1
|
Total
| 869
| 55
|
Each ticket carries with it a fine of up to $150.
