According to several news agencies in California, the California Highway Patrol has stated in an official announcement that distracted driving citations have increased in this past month in the state.
The official statement reveals that since the ‘Hands Free’ cell phone law was enacted two years ago, tickets for texting, talking over the phone without a hands-free device and other common distractions have soared.
In the month of April alone, over 6,000 citations have been handed to Bay Area motorists. Due to fears motorists were not catching up to the new laws and the importance of staying focused on the road while avoiding distractions behind the wheel, the CHP decided to begin a program called “It’s Not Worth It”: a campaign that focuses on teaching safe driving techniques to drivers all across the state while stressing the importance of not using a cellphone behind the wheel.
According to the troopers who have been involved in this educational effort, the campaign was very well received in the Bay Area. The authorities hope to bring this educational project to multiple communities and to continue to work with law enforcement agencies all across California to lower the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers significantly.
Hopefully, more public and private entities are stepping forward to promote more campaigns like this in the future. I’m glad the CHP is holding this event and urge you to participate.
