Police Department cracks down on distracted driving

Press release from Menifee Police Department:

MENIFEE -- On Feb. 9, the Menifee Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers that are violating the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under the law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while driving. This includes talking, texting or using an app, even while stopped at a red light.

“Distracted driving is a real problem here in Menifee and in the country, for that matter,” Chief Pat Walsh said. “People seem to think that cell phone is more important than driving safely. The truth is. so many of your traffic collisions are caused by distracted drivers. Please put the phone down.”

A driver cell phone violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense. If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

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