New Jersey cop dressed up as shrub for distracted driving detail that yielded 74 citations

This week, police in Dunellen, New Jersey, tried out an unusual tactic to spot distracted drivers.

On July 29, the Dunellen Borough Police Department (DBPD) conducted a distracted driving patrol on the 100 block of North Washington Ave.

“We specifically chose this highly-trafficked, pedestrian-heavy downtown area to enforce New Jersey’s Handheld Cell Phone Law and protect our community,” police said. “Did you spot our “shrub” today? If you had your head buried in your phone, probably not!”

As part of the patrol, an officer dressed as a shrub to blend into the background and catch distracted drivers unawares.

“The results? Our “shrub” was busy,” police joked.

The operation resulted in 74 tickets for distracted driving in just six hours.

“Let this be a reminder: That text or notification can wait. Keep your eyes on the road, not your screen!” DBPD advised.