“There was a recent article about police cracking down on distracted drivers. I wanted to know if that also included an iPod while you were flipping through music. It says handheld mobile phones. Thank you.”
Red Phone: Dear Tuned In, distracted driving is a major cause of accidents across the country. It only takes a second of inattention for an accident to occur.
While distracted driving can refer to anything that takes your eyes off the road, iPods and other electronic devices aren’t banned while driving, just cellphones.
The state requires headsets to be used with cellphones for anyone older than 18 and prohibits cellphone use altogether for teen drivers. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.
The California Highway Patrol is holding its second annual enforcement and awareness campaign called “It’s Not Worth It!” for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this month, targeting distracted “zombie” drivers who use cellphones while driving.
In April 2011, more than 52,000 citations were issued as part of the program by law enforcement statewide, four times the monthly average.
A first-time citation will cost a minimum of $159 after court fees, with a second violation costing at least $279, according the CHP.
More than 200 local law enforcement agencies and 103 CHP offices will participate in the month-long effort.
“Similar to the previous year’s campaign, there will be both an enforcement and educational component,” according to a release by the CHP. “The overall goal is to reinforce the motoring public the dangers of distracted driving and reduce the number of people impacted by this destructive behavior.”
Other potentially destructive behavior while driving is applying makeup – Red Phone saw that one the other day – shaving, reading and yes, flipping through an iPod.
The DMV prohibits wearing headsets or earplugs in both ears when operating a motor vehicle or bicycle, as mentioned in Section 27400. The exception is for people involved with emergency work or road maintenance workers who use headsets for safety reasons.
Even though you may not be cited for using devices other than cellphones, pay attention to the road and what is going on around you. And please. hold your call to Red Phone until you get home.
Hope that helps, good caller.
