This episode appears to be based on the 1996 "sudden stop" car accidents conspiracy in Chicago, Illinois.
Detective Green states that "it's not against the law to drive while using a cell phone" to which Detective Briscoe replies "not yet anyways." This episode was actually filmed while the New York state senate was considering the nation's first proposed legislation limiting cell phone use while driving. The first law was passed in June 2001, making it illegal to compose a text message or to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. This legislation did little to curb the rising trend of accidents caused by distracted driving. In fact, 10 years after that first legislation, traffic accidents caused by distracted driving became greater than those caused by drunk driving. To that end, New York state passed stricter laws regarding the use of any electronic device while driving: the previous law only covered cell phone use. The amended legislation--effective on July 12, 2011--banned the use of any and all hand-held electronic devices while driving. Activities that are included but not limited to: composing, sending, reading, browsing, and transmitting e-mails or text messages; viewing or transmitting images; and playing games. An electronic device may only be used if it is attached to the vehicle dashboard or another surface and if it is voice operated or if it has a hands-free accessory. Violators can receive a fine of $50 to $450, depending on the number of violations committed. As of June 2013, each violation of the distracted driver law carries 5 driver-violation points, with 11 points received within an 18-month period resulting in a suspension of the violator's drivers license.