Drivers talking or texting on hand held phones are quickly becoming a primary target of the CHP. In fact, the CHP recently acknowledged that they have created special enforcement units with the specific task of ticketing violators. A recent CHP unit targeting Interstate 10 in Los Angeles County issued over 70 citations on one day for using cell phones while behind the wheel. CHP spokesman Mario Lopez indicated that these special enforcement efforts against cell phone use will continue.
National attention has been increasing with respect to this issue. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has convened two national summits to discuss the issues of distracted driving. California’s Office of Traffic Safety has made reducing cell phone use behind the wheel a high priority.
Another point to keep in mind: not only is driving while using a cell phone dangerous; it can be expensive. The fines associated with these violations exceed $100 for first time violators, and subsequent fines are commonly doubled.