Crime & Safety
CHP Tickets Hundreds of Cell Phone-Using Drivers
There was a major crackdown on people driving and using cell phones in April.
April was Distracted Driving Awareness Month and during the month, Santa Cruz CHP officers wrote 582 citations to drivers talking on cell phones as they drove, 55 citations for texting and driving, and six "other" distracted driving citations, the CHP reported.
In 2011, CHP officers issued more than 168,000 citations statewide to motorists who were in violation of the hands-free law: Vehicle Code 23123(a), 23124(a) and 23123.5(a).
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“Driving is a complex task, requiring a motorist’s full attention," Santa Cruz Area Commander, Cpt.Matt Olson, said in a prepared statement. "Anything that diverts the driver’s eyes or attention from the roadway; even for 1-2 seconds, could result in tragedy. The bottom line, whatever the distraction, it's not worth it."
What's the strangest thing you've seen someone do while driving?
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Have you changed your cell phone-driving habits? Had any near-accidents with distracted drivers? Do you talk or text while you drive? Tell us in the comments and vote in the poll below!
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