In an effort to combat the rising issue of distracted driving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has launched a new campaign urging motorists to stay focused behind the wheel throughout April. The initiative, funded by a generous grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Traffic Safety Administration, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, especially among teens and promote safe driving practices.
According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,100 people in the United States in 2022 alone, and is the number one killer of teens in the country. The prevalence of smartphones and other electronic devices has only exacerbated the issue, with many drivers succumbing to the temptation to text, browse social media, or engage in other distractions while driving.
The CHP’s campaign underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and focused while operating a vehicle. Officers will step up enforcement efforts throughout April to target distracted drivers and enforce traffic laws to curb the dangerous behavior.
As part of the campaign, the CHP will use various educational materials and social media platforms to spread awareness about the importance of safe driving practices. Additionally, officers will conduct outreach efforts in communities across the state to engage with drivers and provide information on the dangers of distracted driving.
