LAPD Crack Down on Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is joining over 200 other local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol in a month long “zero tolerance” enforcement and education campaign designed to curb those texting or operating hand-held cell phones while driving.

Officers will be on alert throughout the month for those who break the cell phone laws and place themselves and others in danger. Special high visibility enforcement operations to cite cell phone violators will take place on April 3rd, 8th, 17th and 22nd.

The increased enforcement and education aims to persuade drivers to recognize the dangers of distracted driving and reduce the number of people impacted by this perilous behavior. The “It’s Not Worth It!” theme emphasizes that a phone call or text isn’t worth a hefty fine or a collision. The current minimum ticket cost is $161, with subsequent tickets costing at least $281.

“We take the issue of distracted driving very seriously,” said Sergeant Karmody, Traffic Coordination Section. “We see the aftermath of these preventable crashes. Is that text message or cell phone call really worth $161, or worse, someone’s life?”

• Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
• In addition, studies show that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time just as severely as having a blood alcohol content of a legally drunk driver.
• According to research, sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. Even a three second glance at freeway speeds means a driver has traveled the distance of a football field. 

If you have any questions regarding the LAPD’s involvement in the Distracted Driving Awareness Month, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at (213) 486-0703.