If you frequent the Thruway, be aware that the police are steeping up the cell phone ban for drivers. According to the Rome Sentinel:

Thruway authorities and the state police will be in the fourth phase of "Operation Hang Up," a stepped up four-day enforcement of the state law. The program runs today through Thursday.

...State law prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile telephone while driving except to call 911 or to contact medical, fire or police personnel regarding an emergency. Violators who are ticketed face a maximum fine of $100, along with a mandatory $60 surcharge. Since Nov. 1, 2009, it is also illegal in New York State to text message on a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. The law also prohibits surfing the Internet and playing computer games while driving. The maximum fine is $150.