Throughout the month of April, deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are encouraging drivers to give the phone a “break” while driving. 

As Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins, the sheriff’s department plans on having additional deputies patrolling the roads and looking for drivers who violate the state’s hands-free phone law, officials said.

“When you are driving, give the phone a rest,” said Sergeant Robert Hill.  “A driver’s number one focus should be on the road. Anything that distracts you from the task of driving, especially a phone, puts yourself and others at risk. 

Current law states that drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or any other electronic device while driving, and drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a phone for any reason, including a hands-free phone. 

Officials recommend drivers pull over and park at a safe location to use the phone and should also silence their phones while on the road. 

“Not driving distracted is a simple, but significant behavior change,” Sergeant Hill said. “The goal is to increase compliance with the hands-free cell phone law and keep people safe.”

According to the 2020 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 75% of drivers say distracted driving because of texting is their biggest safety concern.

The California Office of Traffic Safety funds the enforcement operations by grant for distracted driving enforcement.

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