One-Day Cell Phone Ticket Blitz Brings in Another Million

Round Two of the NYPD's smackdown on drivers using cell phones for phone calls, texting and emails fell short of the over 9,000 tickets that went out during March's one-day sting. But the city almost certainly cracked the seven-figure mark once again during Thursday's 24-hour ticket blitz, issuing 7,432 tickets at $130 a piece ($200 for cab drivers). Could a 15% drop mean that New Yorker drivers have begun to curb their cellphone usage? Or are they just paying closer attention when the NYPD publicly alerts them to the fact that thirteen times as many tickets will be given out that day? A Daily News writer gives a riveting account of getting nailed for using her Blackberry while driving by Ground Zero on Thursday, taking us through the play-by-play of what getting a ticket is like: "I handed over my license and registration, sat patiently for a few minutes, then took my lumps without saying a word."

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By Billy Parker in News on August 23, 2009 9:25 AM

Comments [rss]

books

got to love that 'freedom'

rosweed

I'd like to see the fines doubled if you're a city employee. How many times have I seen cops, bus drivers, city employees of all kinds talking on cell phones and driving. There is technology out there that could detect these violations. If you're on duty and you're on a cell phone, be prepared to explain yourself. Won't happen, but it would be nice if it did.

nightenrock

Just imagine how much revenue they could rake in by cracking down on bicyclists using cellphones, driving in the wrong direction, disobeying signals and signs, etc. Let's remember that the cell phone industry sponsored the legislation way back when as a means to sell "hands free" devices.

colonelcasey

Then why does it seem that I've passed by more crappy drivers yapping on their cell phones this weekend?

CR

Anyone read my twitter from Thursday? "Cnt updte twttr tday while drving - will get tcket. Wll updte 2mrrow when no tckets being given out - and evry day aftr that."

Was that more than 140 characters?

Spirit of 76

Or are they just paying closer attention when the NYPD publicly alerts them to the fact that thirteen times as many tickets will be given out that day?

Most likely. A million bucks in one day. Imagine if they would just enforce this every day. $365 million more in the city's coffers every year. I can't believe there's an elected official that wouldn't love to get the city that much money. Wait, I guess I can. Elected officials want to get re-elected.

militza

I agree. Ticketing every day would be good. Who knows, maybe it could cover the deficit. doubtful I know.

Guest

texting while driving? fuck

aspiringrapper

Don't drive while talking on your phone or texting. Don't leave pets or children in the car alone. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Cover your mouth when you cough. Return your library books on time or pay the fine. This stuff isn't that difficult.

Spirit of 76

Minor modification. Cover your mouth with your elbow, not your hand, when you cough or sneeze. Hands are just too heavily used in public (opening doors, handling items, handshakes, etc.) and shouldn't be contaminated with your bacteria-laden spray.

Rfive

Major modification: use your upper sleeve to cover your mouth. Your elbow won't make it in time.

Rob T Firefly

Alternate version: cover your mouth with your pant leg when you cough. If you can perfect that one, you've got it made.

grumpyGramps

+1 and I'd add: when entering/exiting a highly trafficked public egress, just give a cursory glance over your shoulder to make sure you're not releasing door into the face of the person directly behind you...oh and 1 more thing....don't throw your McDs wrapper on the ground after your through stuffing your fat f*** face//trails off//