FYI drivers! Redwood City police are among the law enforcement agencies statewide that will step up enforcement of distracted driving in April in honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
April 5 and April 13 “have been designated as the two statewide enforcement dates when law enforcement agencies will step up distracted driving enforcement activities,” police said. Redwood City police received a California Office of Traffic Safety grant to deploy extra traffic officers in city locations with higher numbers of traffic collisions. Violators face $162 fines for first time offenders.
The heightened enforcement will be coupled with an awareness campaign that will include distracted driving messages on freeway messaging signs throughout April.
“Officers will have a special emphasis this month on enforcing all cell phone and distracted driving laws,” according to Redwood City police. “The goal is to increase voluntary compliance by drivers, but sometimes citations are necessary for motorists to better understand the importance of driving distraction.”
Redwood City police Chief Dan Mulholland warned about the deadly consequences of texting, making calls and posting to social media while on the road.
“Changing these dangerous habits will help make our roadways safer for everyone,” he said in a statement. “Please join us in our efforts to increase driver awareness and improve safety in our community.”
Redwood City police offered these Safety Tips:
– If you receive a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location, but ‘never’ on a freeway. Once you are safely off the road, it is safe to text.
– Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
– Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
– Cell phone use can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your final destination.
