Full Notification

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month – “It’s Not Worth It!”

To save lives and educate all Californians, especially young drivers, about the dangers of distracted driving, The Livermore Police Department, California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Impact Teen Drivers, and more than 200 law enforcement agencies statewide are working together on increased education and enforcement efforts for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April and California Teen Safe Driving Week, the first week of April.

Throughout the month of April, Police, Sheriff and the CHP will focus on educating the public about the dangers of driving distracted through local media interviews, visits to schools, and traffic safety presentations. In addition, two dates, April 1 and April 15, have been earmarked for special statewide high visibility enforcement days for all law enforcement agencies that are participating in the national traffic safety campaign.

The urge to read and answer an incoming message when we hear the text sound can be almost overwhelming. The Office of Traffic Safety is using a message of “Silence the Distraction” in new public service announcements aimed at getting drivers to turn off their phones while driving so they won’t be tempted.

“No text, call, or social media update is worth a crash,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “With an average of less than a second to react to an urgent situation, drivers need to have all their attention on the roadway.”

While distracted driving can take on many forms and affects all road users, young drivers are at a greater risk. During “California Teen Safe Driving Week,” April1-7, Impact Teen Drivers will focus on educating teens that their number one killer – reckless and distracted driving – is 100% preventable. “People are realizing that everyday behaviors, such as texting or reaching for a dropped item, can be lethal when done behind the wheel,” Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers, said.

Throughout the month of April the Livermore Police Department will have officers working directed patrols looking for distracted drivers. Those drivers observed using their cellphones to talk or text while driving will be cited. Livermore PD continues to see a steady amount of rear end vehicle collisions occurring in town. Distracted driving is typically the cause of these types of collisions. Through this enforcement and education effort, LPD hopes to reduce the number of collisions occurring in Livermore.

Questions regarding LPD’s efforts during Distracted Driving month can be sent to Lt. John Hurd at 925-371-4725 or [email protected]