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Health & Fitness

Unmarked "CITE" Cars Scan For Distracted Drivers

As a follow-up to our previous entry regarding harsher fines for distracted drivers, we would like to fill Long Islanders in on the latest way the authorities are cracking down on those using their phones while driving.  

Over 30,000 tickets for texting while driving were issued in New York State in 2012. In an effort to reduce that number, Gov. Cuomo has instituted a $1 million campaign to strengthen law enforcement against distracted driving.

In order to more effectively scan for drivers using phones behind the wheel, New York State Troopers are using CITE, or Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles. These are unmarked black SUVs that are raised, so state troopers can see down into cars to spot cell phones. These cars are patrolling specifically for drivers using their phones and have been reported to pull over as many as 9 cars in 2 hours.

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