Gloucester Township Police Media Release- Gloucester Township Police Participate in 2026 “Put the Phone Away or Pay” Distracted Driving Crackdown
The Gloucester Township Police Department will participate in the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety’s 2026 Put the Phone Away or Pay distracted driving enforcement campaign. The initiative runs from April 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026 and is conducted in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making this campaign an important effort to improve roadway safety.
Distracted driving continues to be a serious and preventable problem on roadways across the country and in New Jersey. According to NHTSA, 3,275 people were killed and an estimated 324,819 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023. In New Jersey, driver inattention remains the leading cause of fatal and injury crashes and has been cited at a rate more than seven times higher than crashes involving unsafe speed between 2019 and 2023.
According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, research conducted by Rowan University further highlights the extent of the issue within the state. A study observing drivers along high-crash corridors found that approximately 20 to 25 percent of drivers were engaged in some form of distraction at any given time.
Gloucester Township Police Captain Anthony Massi stated, “The Gloucester Township Police Department is excited to participate in this grant program and initiative. Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous choices a driver can make, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers address this behavior on our roadways every day, and this campaign enhances those ongoing efforts through additional enforcement and education. Our goal is to keep our roads safe and prevent crashes before they happen.”
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This includes texting, talking on a phone, eating, adjusting vehicle controls, using navigation systems, or interacting with passengers. The use of handheld cell phones is especially dangerous because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distraction.
Throughout April, officers will conduct targeted enforcement efforts, including roving and enhanced patrols, to identify and stop drivers who are distracted. These efforts are supported through grant funding to increase enforcement and visibility. Motorists are reminded that New Jersey law prohibits handheld cell phone use and texting while driving, and all cell phone use is prohibited for novice drivers.
The Gloucester Township Police Department encourages residents to take simple steps to stay safe. Put your phone away before driving. Use hands-free options only when necessary. Avoid multitasking behind the wheel. Speak up if the driver is distracted.
The message is simple. When you are behind the wheel, your attention should be on the road, not your phone.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving
