23 Cited In Menifee For Distracted, Dangerous Driving During Operation

MENIFEE, CA — Twenty-three people were ticketed in Menifee last week during a sting to catch motorists exhibiting distracted and dangerous driving behaviors, authorities said.

The Menifee Police Department said this week that 17 drivers were cited for hands-free cell phone violations while 6 others were ticketed for dangerous driving behaviors.

On Friday, April 11, between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., officers scanned Menifee roads for those using their cell phones while driving. Since 2008, California has banned drivers from holding a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting or using a phone application.

“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle,” Chief Chris Karrer of the Menifee Police Department said. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors that help make our roads safer.”

Those using a cell phone while driving can be fined and violating that law for a second time can result in a point being added to a driving record.

"If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach," police said.

The California Office of Traffic Safety funded this operation through a grant.