Oneida Police Department Chief Issues Notice to Motorists

Effective Nov. 1, the use of portable electronic device while driving a motor vehicle is prohibited in New York State.

A PED is defined as a handheld mobile telephone, personal digital assistant, handheld device with mobile data access, laptop computer, pager, broadband personal communication device, two-way messaging device, electronic game or portable computing device.

Among prohibited conduct is texting, viewing, accessing, transmitting, of electronic messages or data. A violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $150 and a surcharge of $80 ($85 in town and village courts).

Use for the sole purpose of communicating with an emergency response agency or medical emergency service for emergency purposes is permitted. Police officers, members of a fire department or operator of an authorized emergency vehicle in the performance of their duties is exempt.

The use of portable electronic devices by operators of motor vehicles have contributed to districted-driving accidents including fatal accidents.

Districted-driving-related accidents in the City of Oneida have included two fatalities in 2008. There have been several accidents investigated over the past years involving distracted driving. Cell phone use, use of an electronic device, reaching for something that fell, and changing a radio station are among some of the contributing factors reported.

Police urge drivers to limit any distractions that can take your attention away from driving. Even looking away from the road for a brief moment can lead to an accident.

Oneida Police Department Chief Issues Notice to Motorists

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