Texting Behind Wheel A Concern Across Orange County, Sheriff Says

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Orange County Sheriff's Department encourages drivers to give the phone a break and focus on the road.

Across Orange County in the month of April, OCSD will have additional officers on patrol specifically looking for drivers who violate the state’s hands-free cell phone law during the month of April, officials say. Newport Beach and Seal Beach police departments are also on the lookout for distracted drivers, both departments say.

“When you are driving, give the phone a rest,” Seal Beach Police Chief Phil Gonshak said. “A driver’s number one focus should be on the road. Anything that distracts you from the task of driving, especially a phone, puts yourself and others at risk.”

According to the 2020 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 75% of
surveyed drivers listed “Distracted Driving because of TEXTING” as their biggest safety
concern.

Did you know:

• Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel.
• Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a phone for any reason, including hands-free.

Here's a tip for keeping your hands on the wheel:

• If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over and park at a safe location.
• Drivers should silence their phones or put the phone out of reach, such as the glove box or trunk.
• Other ideas are to synch your phone to your car, if possible.
• Use buttons on your steering wheel to answer the phone, hang up, or change the radio station.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.