Sacramento distracted driving awareness campaign in full effect
Police in Sacramento are focused on issuing tickets to those who violate California's distracted driving laws.
March 23, 2013
Sacramento distracted driving awareness campaign in full effectSacramento residents are likely to be familiar with the phrase "Phone in one hand; ticket in the other." The slogan is part of the media campaign aimed at informing California motorists of the consequences of driving while distracted.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced two pilot programs -- in Sacramento, California and Delaware -- to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The federal government provided $2.4 million for agencies in those two states to promote safe driving habits and reduce the number of auto accidents. The pilot program includes:
-Enhanced police enforcement of distracted driving laws
-Paid media campaigns
-News coverage
The program is intended to mirror other successful campaigns, such as "Click It or Ticket," to change hazardous driving habits.
Sacramento law enforcement officials are focused on decreasing the number of people who text and use handheld cellphones while behind the wheel. Throughout the year, they will participate in coordinated campaigns to issue citations to drivers found violating California's distracted driving laws.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the number of people who have received tickets for violating the law has been on the rise. In 2011, over 460,000 citations for handheld cellphone use were issued in California -- almost 100,000 more than the year prior.
The hope is that the focused campaign in Sacramento will help spread the word about the laws governing distracted driving in California and the consequences that can result from violating the laws.
Avoid serious auto accidents by abiding by CA's distracted driving laws
In California, motorists are required to abide by a number of laws prohibiting certain types of distracted driving. For instance, all drivers in California are banned from using handheld cellphones while behind the wheel. In addition, Californians are prohibited from texting while driving. California law also prohibits bus drivers and novice drivers from any type of cellphone usage -- both handheld and hands-free -- when on the road.
These laws are intended to make motorists in California safer, as distracted driving claims thousands of lives across the country each year. In 2011, over 3,330 people died in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers. In addition, another 387,000 people sustained personal injuries in such collisions that year.
When someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, he or she may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused. If you have been involved in such a collision, consulting with a skilled, Sacramento personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.
Article provided by Airola Law Offices
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