The Morgan Hill Police Department is setting a vigilant ambiance across the city as April ushers in Distracted Driving Awareness Month. During this period, the department’s officers are intensifying their efforts to spotlight and enforce California’s hands-free law, a crucial regulation designed to reduce distracted driving incidents. Chief Shane Palsgrove emphasized the importance of this initiative, stressing the dire consequences that a mere second of inattention can precipitate. Chief Palsgrove shared, “In today’s fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving. Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a potent reminder of the risks associated with a quick glance at the phone. Before embarking on your drive, ensure your phone is out of reach. It’s a simple act that could save lives.”
This awareness campaign underscores the necessity of putting our phones away and maintaining our focus on the road. Drawing from personal and observed experiences, Chief Palsgrove’s advice resonates with many, advocating for proactive measures such as silencing the phone or placing it in a location within the vehicle that prevents access while driving. This practice, coupled with heightened patrols and enforcement measures by the Morgan Hill Police, aims to foster a safer driving environment for everyone in the community. The message is clear: to ensure safety, eliminate distractions before they arise.
Recent statistics illuminate the urgency of addressing distracted driving in California. According to a 2023 statewide survey, an overwhelming 74% of drivers identified texting while driving as their top safety concern on roadways. Furthermore, the grim reality is underscored by the fact that at least 140 lives were claimed in 2021 due to distracted driving-related crashes in California alone, a figure that only scratches the surface of the issue. To combat this growing menace, the Morgan Hill Police emphasize the legal consequences of violating the hands-free law, including fines and potential points on the driver’s record for repeated offenses. This stringent approach underscores the critical nature of attentive driving and the collective responsibility to uphold road safety standards.
While the enforcement of the hands-free law is a significant step towards mitigating distracted driving, the Morgan Hill Police also highlight other forms of distractions such as eating, grooming, or engaging with passengers, which equally contribute to road mishaps. The department’s endeavours are bolstered by funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, enabling rigorous enforcement and educational campaigns. As April propels us into a month of heightened awareness, the collective effort of drivers adhering to best practices and law enforcement’s vigilance can pave the way for safer roads in Morgan Hill and beyond.
