New York State DOT.

GEICO Sponsorship supports NYSDOT efforts to discourage distracted driving.

NYSDOT GEICO Text Stop Sponsorship

Text Stops.

In 2013, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the New York State Text Stop initiative to direct motorists to safe locations where cell phone communications can be made while traveling. This initiative followed Chapter 91 of the Laws of 2013 signed by Governor Cuomo on July 1, 2013, which created new penalties for texting while driving for young and new drivers. The same penalties received for speeding and reckless driving are also imposed on drivers with probationary and junior licenses for texting while driving, and for using hand-held cell phones while driving.

The Announcement.

On September 1, 2016, NYSDOT Deputy Commissioner Phil Eng joined the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Police, and GEICO to announce the sponsorship of 52 Text Stops at highway rest areas and parking areas across the state. Highway signs featuring the GEICO logo were installed across the state to remind motorists to pull over and use their phone safely at designated Text Stops. Additionally, posters discouraging texting and driving were placed at 34 text stop locations. Join the conversation on social media by using #GEICOTextStop.

The State’s Commitment.

“Governor Cuomo initiated the first-ever ‘Texting Zones’ along state highways in 2013, and this innovative partnership with GEICO supports New York’s broad efforts to curb distracted driving and the traffic safety hazards it creates. This sponsorship agreement provides one more way to encourage motorists to focus on driving and pull off the road to text or use mobile devices.”

– NYSDOT Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll

The Sponsor's Commitment.

GEICO Vice President of New York Operations Rick Hoagland said, “We all know distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roadways. The number of injuries and fatalities is staggering. GEICO is proud to work with the New York State Department of Transportation to support 52 Text Stops where drivers will have a safe place to use their smartphones.”