Even with strict laws against texting and driving in the state of New York, many residents continue to make this mistake. While most do so without incident, texting can result in an accident or a run-in with the law.

As a driver, there are many steps you can take to prevent texting and driving. Furthermore, none of them are overly difficult to implement. Here’s what you can do:

• Turn your phone off: When your phone is off, you’re not tempted to text. You don’t know if anyone is texting you, so you don’t have to concern yourself with answering them.
• Use an app: There are a variety of apps designed to protect you against texting and driving. When your car is in motion, it disables your ability to text, thus taking away the potential to make a serious mistake.
• Get into the habit of pulling over: If you don’t want to turn off your phone or use an app, make a pact with yourself to pull over before you text. When your car is in park, you can then safely text.
• Use voice texting: Some of the newest cars allow you to answer text messages by simply talking. This type of technology eliminates the need to take your hands off the wheel and/or your eyes off the road.

When you take these steps to prevent texting and driving, you’re less likely to make this mistake.

Should a police officer pull you over for distracted driving, there’s a good chance they’ll issue a traffic citation. But before you pay the ticket, learn more about your legal rights such as your ability to challenge it in court.