CHP announces crack down on distracted drivers

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - The San Diego County California Highway Patrol offices have announced they will conduct a "crack down" on distracted drivers this weekend, Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20.

Officers ask the public, "When was the last time you drove somewhere without using your cell phone?"

"Driving without checking your email, sending a text message, or talking on the phone is becoming a thing of the past," they said. "But think about it, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Is that text or phone call worth a human life?

Officers said distracted driving has become just as dangerous as drinking and driving.

"Whether you are using your hand-held cellular device or doing your makeup, you are more likely to be involved in a collision than the regular driver," they said. "Drivers that use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves or others. Studies also show that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time just as much as having a blood alcohol content of a legally drunk driver."

During the special crack down effort, officers will be putting extra focus on those violating the cell phone and text messaging laws and driving while distracted.

Although the laws have been in place since 2008, many drivers often have questions about what is legal and what is not legal. The most commonly asked questions are answered below.

Q: Does the “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?

A: The law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

Q: Is it legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?

A: Yes, however you cannot have both ears covered.

Q: Does the hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?

A: Yes, as long as you are not holding the phone.

Q: Drivers under 18: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?

A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free.

Exception: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities. (VC §23124).

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.