The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – Southwest Station announced on Apr. 2 that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and called on drivers to keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel.
The reminder comes as distracted driving remains a significant concern for public safety, with authorities highlighting the risks associated with activities such as checking a phone, using in-dash technology, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving.
“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Deputy Paul Verostek said. “When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, lives can change forever. We’re reminding our community that safety starts with each of us. Put the phone down, limit distractions, and help people get home safely.”
According to information provided by the department, nearly 71.4% of drivers surveyed in California identified distracted driving due to texting or checking a phone as their biggest safety concern in 2025. In addition, there were 158 fatalities from distracted driving crashes statewide in 2023—a reported increase of nearly seven percent from the previous year. Officials noted these numbers may be underreported because it is not always possible for law enforcement officers to determine if distraction played a role in every crash.
Throughout April, deputies will be actively looking for drivers violating California’s hands-free cell phone law. The law prohibits holding any electronic device while operating a vehicle—even when stopped at red lights—and covers talking, texting or using apps. Violators face fines; repeat offenses within three years can add points to a driver’s record.
The sheriff’s office also offered several tips: silence notifications and store phones out of reach; set GPS and adjust mirrors before starting; avoid eating or grooming while behind the wheel; serve as positive examples for passengers—especially young drivers—and remind others if they become distracted behind the wheel.
Funding for this enforcement effort comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
