Since the start of the U Text, U Drive, U Pay campaign, which began on April 10 we have made close to 40 traffic stops for people who were either texting and driving and or looking at their mobile devices and taking their eyes off the roadway.
Our officers are reporting that at times the ratio of people distracted by their mobile devices is as high as one in every five cars passing the enforcement locations. These observations may not qualify as hard statistics but we can assure the public that the threat of distracted driving and texting and driving is certainly real and is increasing by the day.
The fact that the public is aware that law enforcement is actively enforcing the texting and driving/distracted driving laws has contributed to making the problem even more dangerous. This is because many are now being observed attempting to hide their mobile devices out of sight, holding them in their lap areas so that they will not be detected by law enforcement. Not only will this not prevent you from being pulled over, but it will dramatically increase your chances of being in a crash or hitting an unsuspecting cyclist or pedestrian.
Please take the time to view the video link and consider starting a dialogue with family, friends and co-workers about the dangers of distracted driving. We also ask that the public remain vigilant for those who may be distracted and operating vehicles on our roadways.
The U Drive, U Text, U Pay campaign continues, more updates to follow.