As far as the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department is concerned, there is zero-tolerance for distracted drivers.
On April 3rd and 16th, Sheriff’s Deputies will be cracking down on any and all who are found to be operating hand-held cell phones or other devices while driving.
Tickets given out for driving while texting or being otherwise distracted begin at $159, with subsequent tickets being given out in the amount of $279.
Nearly 60,000 tickets were given out statewide last April to drivers who were caught texting or talking on their cell phones while driving.
That’s a pretty big number, considering it consists of only those who were caught by police in the act.
Driving while distracted via texting or speaking on a cell phone has lead to hundreds of unnecessary deaths and thousands of serious injuries. Studies indicate that those who are operating a cell phone are four times more likely to get into an accident than a driver who is paying complete attention to what they are doing.
Not only that, but studies go on to say that there is little difference between operating a cell phone normally or with a hands-free device. The problem is that the focus is on the conversation and not on the road.
The highest portion of distraction-related accidents that involve one or more deaths falls on drivers of age 20 or below.
Because of the tragic and completely avoidable circumstances of these injuries and deaths, over 256 law enforcement agencies across the state are increasingly taking a zero-tolerance stance toward offenders. If you are caught talking on your cell phone or texting while driving, you will get a ticket and likely pay a steep fine.