County Declares April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Board of Supervisors initiates Safe Driving Campaign
 

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.— The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors is expected to proclaim April 2022 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month at its April 5 meeting. The proclamation reminds motorists to drive with caution and to leave the phone alone while operating a vehicle. 

According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving affects people the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. It takes drivers’ eyes off the road and their hands off the steering wheel, and it can distract a person from recognizing potential hazards on the road. 

“We’re proud to partner with the National Safety Council to urge drivers to put the phone down while driving, ” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who wrote California’s “hands free” cell phone law while serving in the California State Senate. “Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents –– it can ruin livelihoods and cost lives. But with a little care, we can avoid accidents and save lives. In fact, during the first year California’s hands-free cell phone law was in effect, highway deaths in California dropped by 20% – that means 700 fewer lives were lost. I want to encourage motorists this month, and throughout the year, to stay focused while driving. It’s a lifesaver, truly.” 

Texting while driving is illegal and can cost motorists points off their driving record; offenders could be fined up to $162 for the first violation and more for subsequent offenses.

In support of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the County of Santa Clara provides the following tips to avoid the common dangers of distracted driving:

  • Set the phone in driving mode to let others know that you’re behind the wheel and can’t answer texts.
  • Use a hands-free device for mapping routes.
  • Put the phone out of reach to avoid the temptation to check it while driving. 

For more tips and information, go to leavethephonealone.org.

#             #            #

ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA 
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, California, making it more populous than 14 states in the U.S. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.

Visit the County of Santa Clara at: https://www.sccgov.org
Like us on Facebook:http://Facebook.com/County.of.Santa.Clara/
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sccgov

Translate »