April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and it's a good time to check ourselves to ensure we are not practicing unsafe habits.

Under California law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while driving. This includes talking, texting or using an app. A driver cell phone violation is subject to a $157 fine for the first offense.

But distractions aren't just limited to phones. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, reaching for an object on the floor, navigating a vehicle’s in-dash touchscreen or dealing with your children in the backseat. How often do we try to drive with one hand while reaching on the backseat dash trying to get our child's toy?

If you have an important phone call or need to get that pacifier that fell off the seat, PULL OVER to a safe parking spot. You can then address whatever you need to in a safe manner.

Make sure you are practicing good driving habits and get to your destination safely!