NYPD Holds 2-Day Crackdown On Distracted Driving
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is holding a two-day ticket blitz this week looking for drivers using cell phones and failing to yield to pedestrians.
The citywide initiative being held Tuesday and Friday is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero program, which is aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.
Police will be looking for drivers who are talking or texting on cell phones or going through intersections without yielding to pedestrians.
"Driving while operating, talking, or texting on a cell phone or other similar hand-held device is extremely dangerous and endangers the safety of both drivers and pedestrians," police said in a statement.
As part of the effort, city officials will also unveil safety improvements Tuesday at West 96th Street and Broadway on the Upper West Side.
Earlier this year, three people were killed in less than two weeks at or near the dangerous intersection, prompting extra officers at the crosswalk.
The Department of Transportation is also appealing to young people, recently launching a music video called "Cross This Way" to highlight safety tips for children.
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