Gov. Cuomo Unveils ‘Texting Zones’ Initiative to Combat Distracted Driving

New Yorkers will now have the opportunity to get off the road to text.

Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled the new "texting zones" last week. The initiative calls for adding "texting zones" to 91 park-n-ride, rest stops and parking areas across the state to let drivers pull off and use their cell phones.

A total of 298 signs will be placed along the highway to let drivers know where these zones are located. The new zones can be found at the following local locations:

• Interstate 81 at the Pa. state line and Whitney Point
• NY Route 17 at East Branch in Delaware County
• NY Route 17 at Nichols and Owego in Tioga County.

This summer, State Police issued 21,580 tickets for distracted driving, more than four times the number of tickets issued last year.

Gov. Cuomo also enacted tougher penalties for distracted driving, which include up to 5 points on your license, license suspension for new drivers and a $150 fine for a first-time offense.