SAN FRANCISCO—The month of April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and San Francisco Police Officers will be focused on distracted driving habits in an effort to reduce collisions.
The SFPD is participating in the campaign alongside the California Office of Traffic Safety and the California Highway Patrol. SF police officers will be looking at speeding, texting while driving and driving a car while on a cell phone or mobile device.
According to the site distraction.gov, Anthony Foxx, Secretary of Transportation indicates that more than 41 states have banned texting while driving, where 12 states have banned all hand-held cell phone usage. Research has shown when these lays are enforced they decrease distracted driving accidents for drivers.
Distracted driving includes any of the following behaviors: texting, using a cell phone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, which includes looking at a map, using a navigation system, watching a video and adjusting the radio, CD player or any other audio device.
Text messaging is considered the most alarming distraction when behind the wheel. Distraction.gov indicates that as of December 2012, 171.3 billion text messages were sent in theUnited States every month.
“Motorists are reminded to put your mobile phone down and pay attention to the roadway and not be a distracted driver. Distracted drivers will be greeted by San Francisco Police officers who remain committed to the mission of this campaign,” said San Francisco Police Commander Mikail Ali of the MTA/Traffic Division.
By Staff
