Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said state police issued 816 tickets for texting-while-driving offenses over the week of Thanksgiving, the result of a concentrated enforcement effort during the holiday.

"The more than 800 tickets issued in just five days further demonstrates the need for these stricter laws which focus on drivers who put others at risk by illegally using a hand-held device," Mr. Cuomo said in a news release. "I thank the State Police and local law enforcement agencies for cracking down on distracted driving during the holiday weekend to help protect New Yorkers and keep our highways safe."

The state has issued at least 1,000 tickets a month for texting while driving since a new law with stiffer penalties went into effect in July. It averaged just over 400 before that. The law made texting while driving a primary offense, meaning that the police can pull you over just for that.

People who know my driving habits might think it hypocritical of me to say, "Put down the phone," but I assure you I am reformed. I have not been pulled over in six months now. So, put down the phone.

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