Santa Rosa Police are ramping up enforcement this April for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, reminding motorists to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Officers will be specifically hunting for violators of the state’s hands-free cell phone law, which prohibits holding any electronic device while driving—even at red lights.
Recent state surveys show that over 70% of drivers consider texting the top safety threat on the road, with distracted driving fatalities rising nearly 7% in California last year. Repeat offenders face stiff fines and points on their driving records under strict state regulations. To stay safe, authorities recommend silencing notifications and handling all GPS or radio adjustments before starting your engine.
Funding for this increased patrol effort is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.