Distracted driving continues to be a growing problem throughout California as well as here in Goleta. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designates April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Goleta Traffic Unit is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in trying to lower deaths and injuries caused by inattentive drivers. In keeping with California’s statewide slogan, “It’s Not Worth It,” we know education and high visibility enforcement are keys to conveying the message that being distracted while driving is not worth a collision, injury or death.

Studies have revealed that while driving and texting, drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds – the time it would take to drive the length of a football field at 45 MPH.

To turn awareness into behavior change, the Goleta Traffic Unit will concentrate their enforcement efforts on drivers using hand-held cellular telephones and texting during the month of April. We will have zero tolerance and maximum enforcement. If we see you driving while distracted or while unlawfully using a hand-held cellular telephone, you will be stopped and issued a citation. The average fine for a first-offense cell phone violation is $170.

Be safe – not sorry!