S732

Senators Brian Stack and Nicholas J. Sacco both (D-Hudson)

13 Dec: Sacco/Stack Bill Prohibiting Texting By Public Transit Operators Receives Final Legislative Approval

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson/Bergen) and Brian Stack (D-Hudson) prohibiting operators of public transit vehicles from texting while at the wheel of a bus or at the controls of a train today received final legislative approval by the full Assembly. The measure now heads to the desk of Governor Chris Christie.

“We know that texting while driving is extremely dangerous, but doing it while operating a public transit vehicle, when the lives of so many people are at stake, is completely unacceptable,” said Senator Sacco. “This legislation will send a strong message to transit employees that this behavior will not be tolerated. Hopefully, the threat of jail time and a hefty fine will make operators think twice about pulling out their cell phones while on duty.”

Senator Nicholas Sacco, D-Hudson, speaks with a colleague on the Senate floor regarding legislation pending a vote.

02 Dec: Sacco: Texting By Train Operator Demonstrates Clear Need For Distracted Driving Penalties

TRENTON – Senator Nicholas Sacco today said a report that an NJ Transit employee was allegedly texting while operating a train shows the clear need for legislation he sponsored which will impose severe penalties on any public transportation operator caught texting or talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel of a bus or at the controls of a train.

“We know that texting while driving is extremely dangerous, but doing it when the lives of so many people are at stake is completely inexcusable,” said Senator Sacco (D-Hudson/Bergen). “This incident demonstrates the clear need for hefty penalties to ensure that transit operators understand there will be severe consequences for this type of reckless behavior.”