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Distracted Driving Awareness Day in WNY

Chris Caya WBFO News

The AAA of Western and Central New York, law enforcement, AT&T, and Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs are teaming up to raise awareness about distracted driving.

Jacobs says, National Traffic Safety Administration data shows road fatalities are up about eight percent over 2014.  And in Erie County, Sheriff's Department data shows nearly a quarter of local crash reports list distracted driving as a contributing factor.

To combat the problem, Trooper James O'Callaghan says, the state police are cracking down. O'Callaghan says since January first Troopers issued nearly 1365 tickets.

"Cell phones are a way of life. But when driving on the roadways you could take a life by answering that phone call or text message. So with your help, help make New York roads safe and put down that device," O'Callaghan said.   

Drivers caught breaking the law in New York face up to $200.00 in fines and five points on their license. To help drivers resist the temptation to use their phones, AT&T is offering "DriveMode" a free app that deactivates texting while a vehicle is in motion.