In an effort to stem the tide of distracted driving with mobile phones, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Divisions are conducting a “zero tolerance”, hands-free mobile phone enforcement day starting Dec. 30, 6:00 a.m. until Dec. 31, 6:00 a.m.
According to Officer Adrian Quintero, with the Valley Division CHP Office in Rancho Cordova, the campaign is designed to deter people from using mobile phones if they don’t have a hands-free device or are texting while driving.
In July 2008, the California State Senate passed a law prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving without a hands-free device. Since then, CHP reports that officers have issued 518,161 citations statewide to motorists who were in violation of the hands-free law.
Legislation attempts to curtail distracted driving with mobile phones by charging fines. Citations can add up to $160, when all court costs are included.
The most important reason to put the phone away and drive is that our children do what they see us doing, not what we say.
According to ImpactTeenDrivers (Sacramento) executive director, Dr. Kelly Browning, parents are the most influential when it comes to good or bad driving habits. “Children need parents to uphold the highest standards and be the role model,” Browning said.
Parent Resources
- Parenting with the Internet and Mobile Phones
- Parental authority cannot be lost, it can only be surrendered
- ImpactTeenDrivers
- California Highway Patrol, Rancho Cordova
(Ref: 554-e)
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