Gloucester Township police highlight risks and penalties tied to inattentive driving
Gloucester Township, NJ – A renewed push to curb distracted driving is underway this month as local police partner with federal safety officials to warn motorists about the risks tied to taking their attention off the road. The Gloucester Township Police Department announced the campaign as part of April’s designation as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, pointing to ongoing safety concerns on roadways across the country.
The department, working alongside the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is reminding drivers that even brief lapses in attention can lead to serious consequences, including crashes, injuries, fines, and other penalties. The message is aimed at drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who all face increased risk when motorists are not fully focused.
Common distractions and enforcement focus
“Distracted driving can have deadly consequences and may result in fines and other penalties,” the Gloucester Township Police Department stated in its announcement. “Any time your attention shifts away from the road, even for a moment, you are driving distracted.”
Officials said distractions extend beyond mobile devices and include everyday behaviors such as adjusting a radio or GPS, eating or drinking, and personal grooming while driving. However, police emphasized that cell phone use remains the most prevalent and dangerous form of distraction.
“Cell phone use, especially texting, messaging, and social media, is the most dangerous and most common distraction,” the department said. “Texting is particularly hazardous because it involves taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off driving.”
Public safety message
The campaign centers on a straightforward message to motorists navigating local and regional roads. “Put the phone down. Stay focused. Arrive alive,” the department said, reinforcing its call for drivers to eliminate preventable distractions behind the wheel.
Police did not outline specific enforcement operations tied to the awareness campaign but stressed that distracted driving laws remain in effect and violations may carry penalties.
