Keep Eyes Forward In Murrieta: Distracted Driving Awareness Month

MURRIETA, CA — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Murrieta Police Department wants residents to "stay focused, keep your eyes forward, and keep your hands on the wheel."

"The Murrieta Police Department is actively looking for drivers throughout the month who violate the state's hands-free cell phone law," Sgt. Zachery Bradley said.

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Under the current law, according to Bradley, 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."

State law punishes using a handheld cell phone while driving with 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.

"Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do," Bradley said. "Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky, it's deadly. Stay focused, stay alert and help keep our roads safe."

When driving, there are some precautions you can take to keep the phone away from hands' reach:

• Set your phone to silent. Silence notifications and store your phone out of reach while driving.
• Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and finish any tasks before you go.
• Be a role model: Model good habits for your passengers, especially young drivers.
• Be a back up: If you're a passenger and you see the driver is distracted, offer to help out, and keep them focused.
• Pull over: If something urgent or distracting comes up, pick a safe place before responding.