Staff Reports

Eastvale – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) wants to remind you to put safety in the driver’s seat. The RCSD Jurupa Valley Station stated they will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“In today’s fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving,” Deputy Brian Parham said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach.”

A department news release stated that a 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey determined that 74% of drivers’ biggest concern was distracted driving due to texting. “In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are also likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.”

Residents should keep in mind that the current law states “drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.”

The news release stated that “if you have an important phone call, text or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, such as looking up directions, pull over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting yourself and others at risk. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.”

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant Rafael Lopez said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

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