BAKERSFIELD, CA - It's not worth it! That's the message from the California Highway Patrol about not texting or talking on your phone while driving. All this month, the agency is cracking down on distracted drivers.
A state report shows 80% of car accidents involve some kind of driver distraction. That's why the CHP is partnering with other local and state agencies in an effort to eliminate drivers using cell phones.
According to the state traffic safety office, talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distraction. CHP officer Jason Plunkett says it's becoming more common.
"It takes your attention off being alert to your surroundings and concentrating on the cell phone call itself, which makes it dangerous," said Plunkett.
The CHP reports hundreds of people have been killed and thousands of others seriously injured in collisions where at least one driver was distracted. Officers say cell phone use significantly decreases a driver's attention to the road.
Plunkett said, "While we're driving around we see somebody, the car's weaving and not maintaining a lane and it looks like they're not paying attention, or they could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many times it's going to be someone texting or on their cell phone while driving. It's the same indicators of someone being under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
Last year, the DMV reported almost 450,000 cell phone related convictions. Once again, they're increasing enforcement, in an effort to reduce the dangerous distraction.
The fine for a first time cell phone citation is $159, any violations after that will cost $279.
A state report shows 80% of car accidents involve some kind of driver distraction. That's why the CHP is partnering with other local and state agencies in an effort to eliminate drivers using cell phones.
According to the state traffic safety office, talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distraction. CHP officer Jason Plunkett says it's becoming more common.
"It takes your attention off being alert to your surroundings and concentrating on the cell phone call itself, which makes it dangerous," said Plunkett.
The CHP reports hundreds of people have been killed and thousands of others seriously injured in collisions where at least one driver was distracted. Officers say cell phone use significantly decreases a driver's attention to the road.
Plunkett said, "While we're driving around we see somebody, the car's weaving and not maintaining a lane and it looks like they're not paying attention, or they could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many times it's going to be someone texting or on their cell phone while driving. It's the same indicators of someone being under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
Last year, the DMV reported almost 450,000 cell phone related convictions. Once again, they're increasing enforcement, in an effort to reduce the dangerous distraction.
The fine for a first time cell phone citation is $159, any violations after that will cost $279.