In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, the Goleta Police Department Traffic Unit issued 100 citations during the month of April to drivers who violated the state’s hands-free cell phone law.  The effort was part of the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“When following a vehicle where the driver is looking at, using or texting on their cell phone, they will exhibit the same driving patterns of someone who is intoxicated.” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “All it takes is for the driver to take their eyes off the road for few seconds and miss the bicyclist in the bike lane or the pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk.”

California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, using an app or even if stopped at a red light.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office provides police services for the City of Goleta.