Oops! Newser snared in NYPD crackdown for texting while driving Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/08/21/2009-08-21_omg_im_getting_a_ticket_oops_another_newser_snared_in_nypd_crackdown_for_texting.html#ixzz0OtNctcXp

There I was, stopped at a red light on West St. by Ground Zero, doing what I do every morning; sipping coffee, listening to the radio and checking messages on my BlackBerry.
All of a sudden, something - or should I say someone - caught my attention out of the passenger-side window.
There he was, one of New York's Finest, on a motorcycle, looking right at me as I scrolled the screen on my red rubber-sleeved BlackBerry.
I was caught in the NYPD's 24-hour cell phone crackdown. I was texting while driving, even though I was, technically, stopped at a red light. It's one of the newest no-no's in New York State and I'm all for its enforcement.
I looked up, he looked at me, I rolled down my window and said, "I don't know where I can pull over around here." He said, "Don't worry, I can clear a path for you to pull over right there."
I pulled over and parked next to the constuction entrance to Ground Zero.
When he came to my window there was none of those obligatory questions like, "Do you know why I pulled you over?"
It was understood why he pulled me over and I didn't argue. I didn't even try to explain why I was looking at my BlackBerry.
Actually, I was dissappointed in myself for disregarding a law that I know is meant to protect all of us from reckless and distracted drivers.
I never saw myself in that way, but the moment I was caught - BlackBerry in hand, behind the wheel, in rush hour traffic - I became one of those distracted drivers I fear and disdain.
Thankfully he didn't lecture me. That's what you've got to love about New York City cops. He knew I was wrong and he knew that I knew I was wrong.
I handed over my license and registration, sat patiently for a few minutes, then took my lumps without saying a word.
So I'll be handing over $130 to the NYC Finance Department. In addition to serving as a public safety reminder, the cell phone crackdown is a nice little moneymaker for the city.
In 2008, the NYPD issued some 530 cell phone tickets per day.
The March 2009 cell phone crackdown netted a total 8,797 summonses, including one for another unsuspecting Newser, Edgar Sandoval.
Those tickets, worth $120 a pop, added more than $1 million to the city till - a nice chunk of change for one day.
It was the most expensive e-mail check I've ever done, but the $130 ticket will serve its purpose as a lesson learned.



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