SACRAMENTO, Calif. Nov. 9, 2018 – Distracted
driving is a problem across all age groups. The California
Highway Patrol (CHP) will address the challenges of distracted
adult drivers, who are often role models for younger drivers,
with the aid of a year-long grant. The Adult Distracted Driving
(ADD) program, which started October 1, combines education and
enforcement.
Each year, thousands of people are killed by
distracted drivers and thousands more are injured. A change of
driving habits can help stop distracted driving. The statewide
ADD program has been launched in partnership with the California
Office of Traffic Safety.
Drivers perceive that distracted driving is
an increasing problem, ahead of traffic congestion, aggressive
drivers, drugs, and drunk driving, a study from the AAA
Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed. Many adults also report
using their cell phones illegally while driving, but do change
their behavior in response to education or receiving a citation,
the AAA Foundation has found. With the ADD grant, the CHP will
complete a minimum of 60 distracted driving enforcement
operations and at least 480 traffic safety presentations
statewide by the end of September 2019.
“Your phone should not be your focus when you
are driving. Your safety and the well-being of those around you
are more important,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.
“Nothing on your phone is worth endangering a life when you
drive.”
Many distractions interfere with safe
driving, but cell phones remain the top distraction. Using a
cell phone, especially texting or emailing, is the most
dangerous. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking
to passengers, operating a navigation system, and adjusting the
radio.
Driving requires undivided attention. The
ADD grant will help drivers understand how distracted driving in
any form puts everyone on the road at risk.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.