Don't Be An April Fool: No Texting or Talking While Driving

We've all done it. And we've all risked our lives and the lives of others by talking, texting and/or dialing while driving.

April is dedicated to raising awareness of what authorities call distracted driving.

"In a few short years, distracted driving has grown to be a nationwide traffic safety concern," said Christopher Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety.

In 2011, 3,331 people died nationally in accidents where at least one driver was distracted. In California, hundreds of people have been seriously injured or killed due to distracted driving. 

Part of the awareness campaign will be stepped up enforcement by the California Highway Patrol and other agencies.

The fine for a first time texting or hand-held cell phone violation is $159, with subsequent tickets costing $279.

"Enforcement is just one part of this campaign," said CHP Commissioner
Joe Farrow. "This effort is not about how many citations law enforcement officers can issue, but how many lives are ultimately saved because motorists made the right choice to focus their attention on the road, free of distraction."

To avoid distracted driving OTS offers the following tips:

• Turn off your phone and/or put it out of reach while driving
• Include in your outgoing message that you can't answer while you are driving
• Don't call or text anyone at a time when you think they may be driving
• Adjust controls and set your song playlist before you set out on the road