TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Fred Madden (D – Gloucester, Camden) and Raymond J. Lesniak (D – Union) that would provide prosecutors with an added tool for obtaining a conviction of vehicular homicide or assault by automobile against a person who is illegally using a cell phone while driving was signed into law today by Acting Governor Kim Guadagno.
“There is no question that illegally using a cell phone causes distractions for those out on the road,” said Madden. “Sometimes those distractions can have tragic results. That is why it is important that we send a message that such behavior must cease. This is about saving lives and protecting people.”
“When a driver makes the decision to ignore basic common sense and uses a cell phone while behind the wheel, if someone is hurt or killed as a result of that recklessness, there should be serious penalties,” said Lesniak. “This new law gives prosecutors the ability to leverage tougher penalties against drivers who violate the State’s hands-free cell phone law and cause an accident that injures or kills someone else. It’s the right thing to do, and it sends the message that New Jersey takes the threat of reckless driving very seriously.”
