Texting while driving is one of the biggest threats to the safety of motorists today. That's why Andrew R. Cuomo, governor of New York, is taking steps to stop the dangerous action. He recently revealed that the state would begin offering texting zones along highways by designating areas along major roads that will give drivers a place to pull over and use cellphones. 

Nearly 300 signs are being installed throughout the state to label 91 texting zones. Most of these areas will take advantage of existing rest stops present around New York, but as the program grows new sections will open to the public. The state hopes that by advertising these areas and increasing the number of traffic tickets given out for texting while driving, it can cut down on the number of motorists who partake in this dangerous behavior. 

"New York State is continuing to use every tool at its disposal to combat texting while driving," Cuomo said. "In addition to tougher penalties, new detection methods for state police and ongoing public outreach efforts, we are now launching special texting zones to allow motorists to pull over and use their phones. … With this new effort, we are sending a clear message to drivers that there is no excuse to take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, because your text can wait until next texting zone." 

Avoiding texting while driving is just one important safety initiative, but drivers need to do more when they get behind the wheel. The first step is making sure a vehicle's amenities are up to par. If they are not, drivers may want to consider shopping around for a used car at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that are safe and reliable.