70 Drivers Cited for Distracted Driving in Chula Vista

Police issued 70 citations to drivers in Chula Vista between 11am and 5pm Sunday, in a fourth distracted driving crackdown this month.

According to a statement from the Chula Vista Police Department, the citations all involved cellphone use while driving. 15 drivers received citations for texting while driving and the remaining 55 were cited for other types of cellphone use.

Chula Vista police take distracted driving very seriously. April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and in conjunction with this law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California are making an increased effort to stop distracted drivers. Chula Vista police have already completed three crackdowns this month with similar results:

• On April 10th, 75 drivers were cited for cellphone use (15 for texting while driving).
• On April 17th, 54 drivers were cited for cellphone use (8 for texting while driving).
• On April 24th, 83 drivers were cited for cellphone use (13 for texting while driving).

The minimum fine for these violations is $161 for a first violation and $281 for a repeat offender.

In California, it is illegal to use a handheld cellphone while driving. This includes texting, emailing, using the internet and talking on the phone. Hands-free cellphone use is currently not prohibited, though some research has shown that any type of cellphone use can impair driving skills. In addition to facing fines and points on their driving records, drivers who text while driving or otherwise use their cellphones may be held responsible for injuring others in auto accidents.

Holding Distracted Drivers Accountable

Were you injured in an accident involving a driver who was distracted? Whether the diver was talking on a handheld cellphone or texting, you may be able to hold him or her accountable. Any type of distraction can affect a driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 were injured in distraction-affected accidents in the United States in 2012. These accidents could have been prevented if drivers had been paying attention.

At The McClellan Law Firm, we believe in bringing distracted drivers to justice. Our legal team represents drivers throughout San Diego and the surrounding areas in Southern California in car accident insurance claims and lawsuits, fighting for fair compensation from at-fault parties. As Distracted Driving Awareness Month comes to an end, we hope drivers will take law enforcement crackdowns like the Chula Vista operations seriously and think before they get out their cellphones. Is a text message or phone call really worth risking your life and the lives of others?

To talk about your case with a San Diego personal injury lawyer who understands distracted driving laws in California and how they may apply, please call our offices. Your initial consultation is free, and we will be happy to offer insight that helps you make the right choices based on your needs.