Imagine driving on the road and passing by some bushes. Pretty normal, right?
But what if those bushes were equipped with binoculars and a hand? A police department in New Jersey has come up with a novel and clever way to catch distracted drivers.
The Dunellen Police Department in Middlesex County conducted a secret enforcement operation on July 29 targeting “Distracted Driving.” They intentionally chose a busy area in the city center with heavy traffic flow to enforce the state law of New Jersey – prohibiting the use of handheld phones and electronic devices while driving.
In order to remain unnoticed by drivers, the police sent out an officer disguised as a “bush.” The officer hid on the side of the road, using binoculars to precisely search for and target drivers who were using their phones while behind the wheel, and then alerted other officers ahead to intercept and issue fines.
In addition to the “bush,” there was also an officer holding a walkie-talkie wearing a t-shirt that read: “I am not a police officer.”
The Dunellen Police Department posted photos on their Facebook page, stating, “Our ‘bush’ was very busy today! Within just 6 hours of enforcement, we issued a total of 74 citations to drivers distracted by phone use.”
According to state law, drivers are strictly prohibited from using handheld phones or any communication devices while driving, and first-time offenders can face fines ranging from $200 to $400.
The Dunellen Police Department took this opportunity to warn drivers, saying, “Remember, that text or notification can wait! Keep your eyes on the road, not on the screen!”