April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Go Safely California, an educational plan from the California Office of Traffic Safety is bringing the message this month to “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” During the month of April, law enforcement will be actively looking for drivers who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.
“In today’s fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving,” Agent Brian Carter said in a press release from the Chula Vista Police Department. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk, or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach.”
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record, said Carter.
Carter said if you have an important phone call, text or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, such as looking up directions, pulling over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting yourself and others at risk. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.
According to the 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
