Texting While Behind the Wheel? Authorities in South Gate and Lynwood Are Looking for You

As part of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and more than 200 law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Traffic Services Detail and the South Gate Police Department (SGPD) will be focusing on catching drivers who are texting or operating hand-held cell phones.

"We have made it a point for our officers to issue citations for texting or phone use while driving," said Captain Keith Hupp of the SGPD. "To make sure the word is out on this."

The current minimum ticket cost is $159, with subsequent tickets costing at least $279, sheriff’s officials said.

Last April, over 57,000 tickets were written statewide for texting and hand-held cell use. There were nearly 450,000 convictions in 2012, officials said.

“Distracted driving is a serious traffic safety concern that puts everyone on the road at risk,” Los Angeles Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker through a news release statement.  “In recent years, hundreds have been killed and thousands seriously injured in California as a result of collisions that involved at least one driver who was distracted.”

Nationally, an estimated 3,331 died in 2011 due to distracted driving, Parker wrote.

To avoid falling victim to “zombie-like” distracted driving behaviors Office of Traffic Safety is providing drivers with the following tips that can be implemented by any motorist:
 

•  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. If you find yourself daydreaming - clear your head and focus on the road

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