NJ Makes It Easier To Prosecute Someone For Vehicular Homicide With New Texting & Talking Law

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — It's now easier for New Jersey prosecutors to obtain convictions on vehicular homicide or assault by auto charges when drivers kill or injure someone while using a cellphone.

The measure was signed into law Wednesday by Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno, just weeks after it was passed in the state Legislature.

The law classifies the illegal use of a hand-held cellphone as driving recklessly, one of the factors needed in finding a person guilty of vehicular homicide or assault by auto.

Proponents had argued the measure was needed because it was difficult to hold drivers criminally accountable when they kill or injure someone while using a cellphone.

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