SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – Every year, thousands of adults are seriously injured or killed
statewide in vehicle crashes caused by distracted drivers – crashes that are 100%
preventable. To help combat this issue, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is
launching a statewide “Distracted Driving Education for Adult Drivers” traffic
safety program. During the year-long education and enforcement campaign that
will run through September 2023, the CHP will conduct at least 80 enforcement
operations targeting adult distracted drivers and 600 adult traffic safety
presentations. These efforts will complement
the CHP’s program combatting teen
distracted driving.
With
multiple modes of communication and instant entertainment at their fingertips, cell
phone use is the biggest driver distraction. From October 1, 2021, through
September 30, 2022, CHP officers issued approximately 57,446 citations for cell
phone violations. Last year, 9,733 people
were injured and 96 people were killed in crashes in California caused by distracted
driving.
“The
CHP encourages drivers to make the conscious decision not to drive distracted
every time they get behind the wheel,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Every distraction affects a driver’s
reaction time, and circumstances can change without notice. Ultimately, it is never worth the potentially
devastating consequences.”
Some
of the most common types of adult distracted driving includes texting, talking
on a cell phone, eating, grooming, talking to passengers, operating a
navigation system, and adjusting the radio.
The
heightened awareness and increased enforcement are designed to encourage adult
drivers to recognize the dangers of distracted driving and reduce the number of
people impacted by this reckless, preventable behavior.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant
from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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