Cops Cracking Down on Drivers Using Cell Phones in April

You may want to think twice before texting your sweetheart while driving home.

Law enforcement officials across the county — including Los Alamitos and Seal Beach Police Departments and the Orange County Sheriff's Department — are cracking down on distracted drivers this month.

With April National Distracted Driving Awareness month, cops aim to reduce the number of people hurt by those who aren't paying attention behind the wheel. 

“Distracted driving has become a nationwide traffic safety concern,” said Los Al PD Capt. Bruce McAlpine in a written statement. “We all need to be more responsible and strive to be put an end to this dangerous activity.”

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

Behind the wheel cell phone use can significantly reduce brain function needed for safe driving, sometimes up to 37 percent, according to the National Safety Council.

Nationally about 3,331 people died in 2011 as a result of distracted driving. The California Department of Motor Vehicles reported nearly 450,000 handheld cell phone and convictions, with more than 57,000 tickets issued in April alone.

Here are some tips from the Los Al PD to avoid districted driving:

• 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.
• Stay alert and keep your mind on the task of driving – often after a long day at work or a not-so-restful night’s sleep, people’s minds can wander when behind the wheel.

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