South OC Times

Lake Forest, Ca. (April 27, 2024): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Monday, April 29, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app, or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

According to an unnamed Sheriff’s Department spokesperson, "Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing."

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. Additionally, a 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found that nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

"If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place," advised an unnamed Sheriff’s Department spokesperson.

In this day and age, it is crucial for drivers to prioritize their focus on the road. Other distractions, such as eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor, can also lead to dangerous situations.

To combat the urge to use a phone while driving, drivers are encouraged to either silence their devices or place them in a location that is out of reach. The Sheriff’s Department emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.