Distracted Driving Crackdown: 16 Citations Issued In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Troopers issued more than a dozen citations in two hours during a distracted driving patrol out of the Annapolis barrack, according to Maryland State Police. Distracted driving includes but is not limited to texting, using a handheld cell phone, grooming, reading, watching a video, using a navigation system or adjusting a radio.

One of those behaviors was the cause for the citations on Monday, Dec. 17, officials said.

Troopers issued 16 citations for using a cell phone while driving, police said.

Using a handheld phone can result in a traffic stop; it is a primary offense in the state of Maryland.

More than 31,100 people are injured each year in crashes in Maryland annually because of distracted driving, according to Maryland State Police.

"Jake's Law," which took effect in 2014, makes it a misdemeanor to cause a serious or fatal crash while using a cell phone, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to three years in prison.

How To Prevent Distracted Driving

Drivers: Keep eyes on the road ahead. Leave hands on the steering wheel. Steer thoughts to driving and traffic conditions. Do not hold and use the phone while driving. Pull off to the side of the road if you have to make a call. If the phone will be a temptation, put it in the trunk or backseat.

Passengers: Offer to send texts or make calls for the driver, not letting him/her use the phone behind the wheel. Also help watch the road.

Image via Shutterstock.