Governor Cuomo had plenty to say on enforcing laws on Tuesday as he signed a new one that changes the rules on texting while driving. It's now a primary offense, which means you can get pulled over just for improperly using your phone. Grace Rauh reports.

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Governor Cuomo had plenty to say on enforcing laws on Tuesday as he signed a new one that changes the rules on texting while driving. It's now a primary offense, which means you can get pulled over just for improperly using your phone. Grace Rauh reports.

We've all seen people doing this behind the wheel. Maybe you've even done it yourself. But texting or using handheld electronics - like cell phones and blackberries - while driving is against the law. And it's now enough to get you pulled over and ticketed.

“This bill will save lives, period,” said Governor Cuomo.

The governor signed legislation Tuesday to crack down on drivers using electronics. The wife and children of a man killed last year by a driver accused of texting were on hand for the event.

“I think there is nothing that I could do to undo what this woman has done to my husband. However, I think - I am very glad this legislation is passed today,” said Zhang Xiu Ying, through a translator.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 16 percent of deadly accidents in 2009 were linked to distracted driving.

“You look down for one second and it is unforgiving,” said Cuomo.

There's no question the problem is widespread - and threatens to get worse as more young people, who grew up sending text messages, get their drivers licenses and hit the road.

Cuomo is teaching his two teenage daughters how to drive. He says they've shown him just how hard it can be to let go of the electronics.

“If their thumbs aren't moving they don't know if they're alive. And they get in the car and that device bings and bongs and vibrates or whatever it does and you can see that they have to answer that device now,” said Cuomo.

The new legislation takes effect immediately. Anyone using a handheld electronic device while driving can be pulled and will be subject to a three-point penalty on their license and a fine of up to $150. Previously, drivers texting or talking on the phone without a hands-free device could only be pulled if they had committed another offense.

Cuomo says the law will be aggressively enforced.