Operation Hang Up

Trooper Mark O'Donnell, with The New York State Police says, "It's the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. We will see an increase in traffic volume on the highways. We want everybody to get to their destination safely."

That's why state troopers are enforcing Operation Hang up. It's a statewide initiative targeting distracted drivers. State troopers say it's against the law not to use any type of mobile device or electronic while driving. Trooper O'Donnell says taking your eye off the road for a split second, can end in death. Distracted driving is a growing problem, and is now the number one cause of car accidents in New York State.

"We are trying to curb that. We are trying to recognize the dangers and avoid any accidents or fatalities," says Trooper O'Donnell.

Trooper O'Donnell says if you get an important phone call, pull over. Another way to use your phone without breaking the law is to use a hands free device.

"You could cause injury, serious injury or a fatality to somebody else maybe in your car a loved on you might be driving that should say it's not important, if there's another person in your car, hand your phone to them," says Trooper O'Donnell. He says, "If you get caught using any type of electronic device while driving you could face a hefty find and points on your license.