Being 'distracted' behind the wheel is so much more than just texting while driving. Did you know police in New Jersey are watching you closely for these other activities?

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These days, when you think 'distracted driving', you probably think that means texting while driving, or talking with your phone in your hand while driving. But police in New Jersey consider a bunch of other activities being distractions behind the wheel.

What's Considered Distracted Driving in New Jersey?

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Cops are keeping a closer eye on drivers for these infractions, everything from eating while driving to arguing with a passenger to taking your focus off the road to tend to your child.

Please be careful out there and pull over to accomplish whatever it is you're trying to do in your vehicle because it could cost you.

New Jersey Campaign Aimed at Distracted Drivers

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New Jersey's annual 'UDrive. UText. UPay.' campaign is meant to send a message to motorists that it only takes a few seconds for a distraction to turn into an accident that hurts you and/or someone else. And they're making their point in the form of costly citations.

For example, during the month of April, many police municipalities throughout New Jersey will be on heightened patrol for distracted drivers, and they're unlikely to let you off with just a warning.

Why the harshness? Take these statistics into account. In 2023, there were more than 3,000 fatalities in the U.S. traced to accidents where distracted driving was a factor, according to the NHTSA, and more than hundreds of thousands more injured.

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Get in the know below before you get caught!

9 Activities Police in NJ Consider Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month in New Jersey, part of the National Highway Transportation Safety Board's 'UDrive. UText. UPay.' campaign. But being 'distracted' is so much more than just texting while driving.

Gallery Credit: Heather DeLuca

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Gallery Credit: Heather DeLuca

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