Weekend Crackdown Targets Distracted Drivers

San Diego police looking to crack down on distracted driving handed out 29 citations for drivers talking on their cell phones while driving, along with another 6 who were caught texting behind the wheel Saturday afternoon in Chula Vista.

The campaign, known as the “Distracted Driving Operation”, was held from 3 to 7 p.m. as police patrols paid particular attention to what drivers were doing behind the wheel. The campaign, according to Chula Vista PD Officer Alicia Chudy, is a part of a larger effort to improve road safety and save lives through preventing accidents.

“Please remember that talking and texting are not only the only distractions while driving,” says Chudy. “Eating, drinking, use of GPS, MP3 players and other devices, reading maps, books or magazines, grooming, animals and getting too involved with your passengers can distract a driver and can cause collisions.”

Each of the drivers cited for distracted driving will now face fines of $159. Two were also found to have suspended licenses, and another had no license at all, sparking additional citations. Four others were cited for various other vehicle code violations.

“This was considered a successful Distracted Driving Operation,” Chudy added. “The Chula Vista Police Department is continuing its efforts to keep our community safe by detecting and deterring drivers from talking and texting on their cellphones.”

Funding for the campaign was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its success is likely to spark similar efforts from local law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego and the rest of the country as distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of serious and fatal accidents.

When you are behind the wheel, your attention should be on the task of driving at all times, and not on your cell phone. If you or someone you know has been hurt in crash involving a distracted driver, there are legal protections in place to help you recover.

Depending on the circumstances that led to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation, which we at AA Accident Attorneys can help you receive in full. Our team of experienced San Diego car accident lawyers can lead you through the complicated legal process and get you back onto your feet quickly.

As always, we will not charge you anything for our services until your case is completed. If we do not collect on your case, then you will owe us nothing. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn what our accident lawyers can do for you!