Law Enforcement to Crack Down on Texting Behind the Wheel

During the entire month of April, law enforcement agencies throughout California will be on the lookout for inattentive "zombie" motorists who text or talk on a hand-held cellphone while driving.

The California Highway Patrol, the California Office of Traffic Safety and agencies throughout the Southland will crack down on talkers and texters with a "zero tolerance" operation, citing drivers who break the law and pose a danger to themselves or others.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that deputies will have a "zero tolerance" stance for drivers caught texting or talking on a phone Wednesday and again April 18.

A first time citation will cost a minimum of $159, with a second violation at least $279. 

"Turn off your phone and put it out of reach as you get into the car," said Christopher J. Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. "Think before you call or text someone. If there is a chance they might be driving, let it wait. It's not worth it."

Statistics show that drivers who use hand-held devices are four time more likely to get into a crash that is serious enough to injure themselves. In addition, younger, inexperienced drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of fatal distraction-related crashes.

More than 225 local agencies, along with the CHP, are expected to conduct zero tolerance enforcement in April which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This coincides with California Teen Safe Driving Week, which is the first week of April. 

“We take the issue of distracted driving very seriously,” said Capt. Shaun J. Mathers who oversees Traffic Services Detail within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “Cell phone use and texting while driving is such a serious concern, that we are putting extra deputies on the road to enforce zero tolerance. Is that text message or cell phone call really worth $159?”