Texting While Driving Brings New Harsher Penalties in NJ

Motorist caught texting or talking while driving in New Jersey now face very serious charges. Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford says a new law gives them a lot of authority when an accident is caused by this behavior. "Whether there's evidence if somebody causes and accident, a fatal accident or serious accident because of distracted driving caused by texting then we can impose enhanced penalties."

Lynch Ford says those enhanced penalties include Assault by Auto or Vehicular Homicide Charges if it's proven that they were texting or talking at the time of the accident.

She believes the enhanced laws are meant to serve as a deterrent and not just to keep people in jail longer. Ford believes parents should be warning young drivers now of the serious criminal consequences of texting and driving and to take steps now to prevent the behavior.