South OC Times

San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (April 4, 2024): The Sheriff’s Department in San Juan Capistrano is intensifying efforts to curb distracted driving, a dangerous and illegal behavior that poses a threat to road safety.

According to the Sheriff's Department, they are working diligently to deter drivers from engaging in distracted driving. As part of these efforts, deputies will be targeting drivers who are talking, texting, or using any other non-hands-free functions on their phones, in violation of California's cell phone law. The consequences for such violations include fines of $162 for the first offense and at least $285 for a second offense.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving, particularly phone usage, is a leading cause of road accidents. In 2016, 3,450 individuals lost their lives due to distracted driving incidents. Additionally, a 2018 survey conducted by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) revealed that nearly 5 percent of California drivers were illegally using their phones while driving.

"In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road," emphasized the Sheriff's Department. They highlighted that distractions like eating, grooming, conversing with passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, or reaching for items can also contribute to accidents.

The Sheriff's Department advises drivers to prioritize road safety by pulling over to a safe location for important phone calls or navigation adjustments. To minimize the temptation of using phones while driving, they recommend silencing devices or placing them out of reach.

Funding for the Sheriff's Department's distracted driving enforcement initiative is made possible through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.