DUNELLEN, NEW JERSEY — Police in Dunellen used an unusual tactic this week to catch distracted drivers in a busy downtown area.
On July 29, the Dunellen Borough Police Department conducted a distracted driving enforcement detail on the 100 block of North Washington Avenue.
Officer Blended in as a Shrub
Police said the area was chosen because it is highly trafficked and has heavy pedestrian activity.
The enforcement detail focused on New Jersey’s Handheld Cell Phone Law and was aimed at protecting pedestrians and other road users.
As part of the operation, an officer dressed as a shrub to blend into the background and observe drivers using their phones.
“Did you spot our ‘shrub’ today? If you had your head buried in your phone, probably not!” police said.
74 Distracted Driving Citations Issued
The department said the operation resulted in 74 citations for drivers distracted by their devices in a six-hour period.
“The results? Our ‘shrub’ was busy,” police joked.
Police said the detail should serve as a reminder that texts and notifications can wait.
“Keep your eyes on the road, not your screen!” the department said.
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