New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it illegal to drink beverages like coffee while behind the wheel in an effort to put the brakes on distracted driving.
Bill Would Ban Any Activity Unrelated To Driving While Behind The Wheel
The highly restrictive law sponsored by New Jersey State Assemblyman John Wisniewski would punish drivers for doing anything other than driving, including drinking, eating, and grooming. The proposed bill specifically prohibits “any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle on a public road or highway.”
Repeat Offenders Would Face License Suspension
Drivers caught sipping coffee behind the wheel would face fines of $200 to $400 for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second offense, and $600 to $800 for a third offense. The third offense could also cost you points on your license and result in a 90 day license suspension.
Wisniewski cites figures from 2014 that blame distracted driving for 3,000 traffic deaths as justification for the controversial bill. He says, “There are 3,000 people who didn’t make it home for reasons that are entirely preventable. Those reasons are keeping your eye on the road.”
Stringent New Jersey bill could outlaw drinking coffee while driving https://t.co/aX7OxWWvCi pic.twitter.com/u5Vzu0hI05
— PhillyVoice (@thephillyvoice) August 8, 2016
Sources:
USA Today
CBS New York
NJ.com
ABC 7 NY