Distracted Driving: It's Not Worth It!: Dublin CHP

Throughout the month of April, the Dublin California Highway Patrol (CHP) will focus their enforcement and educational efforts on distracted driving. April 5th and 19^th have been designated as focused enforcement days.

CHP will partner with law enforcement agencies throughout the region to aggressively enforce distracted driving laws the entire month. By utilizing educational programs in a variety of settings, CHP officers will reach out to drivers of all ages. They will be working with local high schools to educate young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, as reckless and distracted driving is the number one killer of teens in America.

Motorists are reminded that it is illegal to hold and operate electronic devices, including smart phones, while driving. The device must be mounted on the dash, the center console or in one of the lower corners of the windshield. It cannot be placed anywhere that impairs a driver’s view or blocks the possible deployment of airbags. Only drivers 18 or older can use hands-free devices; drivers under 18 cannot. It’s also illegal for drivers to send text messages.

“It is the responsibility of all of us who drive to help keep the roads safe," CHP Dublin Area Commander, Captain Chris Sherry said. "Motorists are encouraged to slow down, be courteous and most importantly, focus on getting to destinations safely."

Distracted driving takes a person’s eyes off the road, hands of the wheel and mind off of driving. Other common types of distracted driving include eating while driving, playing with the radio and drowsy driving. The bottom line, whatever the distraction is, it’s not worth it.