SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed
statewide in vehicle crashes caused by distracted drivers. To combat this issue, the California Highway
Patrol (CHP) received the Adult Distracted Drivers (ADD) XII grant to keep
California roads safe through education and enforcement.
“Distracted
driving is a serious issue that is 100 percent preventable,” said CHP Commissioner
Amanda Ray. “We are encouraging drivers
to make a conscious choice to not drive distracted. This simple decision can have a tremendous positive
impact on the safety of California’s roadways.”
Drivers
who choose to drive distracted exponentially increase the odds of being involved
in a vehicle crash. According to data
from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, in 2019 there were
nearly 19,000 crashes where driver inattention played a role. Of the 9,371 drivers involved in a fatal or
injury distracted driving crash that year, nearly 10 percent cited cell phone
use as the source of inattention.
Though
there are numerous distractions for a driver, cell phones are the most prevalent. Handheld cell phone use while driving is not
only illegal in California, it is an unsafe activity behind the wheel. In California, drivers under the age of 18 are
prohibited from using a cell phone while driving for any reason, including
hands-free devices.
“Driving
safely requires complete attention, so it is best to stay focused on the road. Distraction behind the wheel jeopardizes your
safety, your passengers’ safety, and the well-being of those around you,” Commissioner
Ray added.
Funds
from the ADD grant will help support the CHP’s completion of at least 400
traffic safety presentations statewide and a minimum of 80 distracted driving
enforcement operations between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022.
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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