As part of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign, there are a number of Orange County jurisdictions that will be joining over 200 other local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol to increase education and enforcement efforts. Some of these jurisdictions include Anaheim, Santa Ana, Los Alamitos and Newport Beach.
“Driving takes one’s full attention and any distraction can have deadly, dangerous consequences,” said Chief Jay R. Johnson. “Imagine driving for four or five seconds while blindfolded… that can be the effect of looking down to send a text message. In the average time it takes to check a text message – less than 5 seconds – a car travelling at 60 mph will travel more than the length of a football field.”
Throughout the month of April, law enforcement will focus on educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving. April 1 and April 15 have also been earmarked for special statewide high-visibility enforcement days for all law enforcement agencies that are participating in the national traffic safety campaign.
When you hear the notification alert on your cell phone, the urge to read and answer an incoming message 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 will not 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.”
“Each of us must drive responsibly, keeping full attention to the task at hand: DRIVING,” Chief Johnson added. “The collective goal with this month-long campaign is to change the behavior of all drivers. That change begins with education.”
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 is not worth a hefty fine or a collision. The current minimum ticket cost in California is $161, with subsequent tickets costing at least $281.
To avoid a distracted driving ticket or crash, the Newport Beach Police Department offers drivers the following tips:
· Turn off your phone and/or put it out of reach while driving.
· In your outgoing message, note that you cannot answer the phone while you are driving.
· Do not call or text anyone at a time when you think they may be driving.
The UCI Police Department supports this campaign and would like to remind our community that distracted driving while on campus presents even some elevated risks than perhaps other places. We have a significantly large number of pedestrians, skateboarders and bicyclists on campus and, therefore, drivers should pay extra close attention while commuting around the university. Likewise, if you are on foot, skateboard, bicycle or another transportation device you should remain aware of your surroundings; particularly while crossing streets, waiting at intersections or walking through parking lots/parking garages. Silencing the distractions will help keep the entire community a safer place.
We encourage the community to partner with the UC Irvine Police Department to prevent or report crime by calling (949) 824-5223. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “OC Crime Stoppers” by dialing 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227), text "OCCS" plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website http://occrimestoppers.org/
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