April is National Distracted Driver Awareness month
In honor of National Distracted Driving Awareness month, California is participating in a national campaign cracking down on motorists’ cellphone use throughout the month of April.
California’s restrictions on the use of cell phones while driving is part of a nationwide trend. Many other states also prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while driving and place restrictions on novice drivers. Evidence continues to suggest that drivers using cell phones are more distracted, increasing the risk of accidents.
Ban on Handheld Cell Phones
The first law bans all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. The law does not affect passengers — they are free to use cell phones while traveling in an automobile. The law applies to anyone driving in California, whether the driver lives in California or not.
Exceptions. There are a few exceptions to the general ban. Handheld cell phones may be used:
- To make an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, medical provider, fire department, or other emergency service agency
- By those operating authorized emergency vehicles
- By those operating vehicles on private property
Please click here to watch this video and share the vital message, “It’s NOT Worth It”.
We can all do our part by having conversations regarding the liabilities and potential dangers of cell phone use while driving in order to make our communities and highways safer. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help support you, a family member, co-worker, or friend. We care!