Full Notification

The El Cerrito Police Department would like to remind everyone that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. El Cerrito Police Officers will be actively looking for those drivers who are using their electronic devices while driving so please make the right choice and make the roads safer for everyone.

The following information is provided by the California Department of Traffic Safety.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel – especially when it comes to texting, using apps or talking on a cell phone. The California Office of Traffic Safety wants to remind everyone that under the new distracted driving law that took effect on January 1st, holding a cell phone in your hand is illegal and you will be cited.

The new distracted driving law prohibits driving while holding a cell phone in your hand. However, you may still legally use it in a hands-free manner such as voice command or when using a mounting device. Keep in mind that you cannot text, scroll or tap multiple times – just one tap or swipe to activate or deactivate a feature or function is allowed. The first ticket costs $162, so save yourself the time and money by following these tips to avoid being distracted when behind the wheel:
*Turn off your cell phone and put it out of sight before you get behind the wheel.
*Do not program your GPS or MP3 player or other devices while driving.
*Do not eat or drink while driving.
*Do not groom, read or try to watch videos.
*Finally, if something falls to the floor, pull over to a safe parking spot before trying to reach it.

For more information on Distracted Driving and Distracted Driving Awareness Month, please visit: www.ots.ca.gov.