In an attempt to curb the number of dangerous drivers on highways who are distracted by their smartphones, the US state of New York is introducing dedicated Texting Zones where motorists can pull off, park and safely use their mobile devices. But the initiative doesn’t require any new construction since existing rest stops and parking areas along thruways and highways are technically being re-branded as the safe places to pull over and text.
What is being added are a total of 298 signs along highways across the state to make motorists aware of the upcoming spots where they can stop and safely check their phones. The signs carry messages like “It can wait” in addition to how close the next Texting Zone is, reassuring drivers that they won’t have to actually wait long to respond to a text, or see what their friends think of a photo they recently Instagrammed.
What do you think of this initiative? There’s little the state can do to stop people from wanting to check their mobile devices while behind the wheel. And while expensive fines do serve as a deterrent, there are only so many state troopers available to issue tickets. At the least these Texting Stops should encourage drivers to hold off on checking their phones until they’re not cruising at 100km/h. [New York State Governor via Digital Trends]
Pictures: Office of Andrew Cuomo/Flickr