Clovis, Calif. – April is “Distracted Driving Awareness Month”. Throughout the month, Clovis Police Officers will be focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law and other distracted driving violations. You will also see additional social media posts showing the dangers of driving distracted and reminding drivers to put the phone down, limit their distractions, and concentrate on the roadway.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. 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.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Clovis Police Officer Ferguson said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

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 is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.