On Friday, New York State Governor Cuomo enacted by Executive Order, that stiffer penalties be imposed for drivers who are distracted by their cell phones. This is in response to a 143% increase in cell phone-related crashes from 2005 to 2011.

According to the Daily News, the nationwide accident rate in which someone was killed or injured was over 25,000 in 2011. In the same time period, 4,600 accidents with injuries or fatalities were attributed to drunken driving.

New York drivers can now receive a penalty of five points on their license, up from three points Drivers who accumulate 11 points within an 18 month period will have their license suspended. Insurance rates can also increase hundreds of dollars per year.

Reduce points on your license and enjoy a discount on your insurance. Take our six hour New York State DMV-approved Defensive Driving course online or contact us to schedule an on-site class for your company or organization.