Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced that the Assembly passed legislation to improve highway safety by increasing penalties on probationary and junior drivers who text while driving (A.7739).

“We have seen the ads on television and read the news stories – tragic accidents where young drivers are killed or kill others while attempting to read or write a text message,” Santabarbara said. “We have to get the message out that texting while driving is serious and dangerous. I sincerely hope that by increasing penalties and raising public awareness, we can prevent tragic accidents from happening.”

Currently, probationary and junior licensed drivers face a 60-day suspension for traffic violations such as speeding or reckless driving. If another violation occurs within six months, these drivers will have their licenses revoked for 6 months and 60-days respectively. The new law will impose these same penalties on drivers with probationary and junior licenses for texting while driving.

“Statistics show that teen drivers have the highest risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, and distractions – including cell phones – can add to that risk,” said Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney. “Creating stiffer penalties for junior drivers should make them think twice before reaching for their phone. Assemblyman Santabarbara’s work to curb texting while driving will help make roads safer for our families.”