The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is actively ticketing drivers who are texting or talking on hand-held cell phones on April 3 and April 16. According to the sheriff’s station, distracted drivers will be cited without warnings. The current minimum ticket cost is $159, with subsequent tickets costing at least $279.
“We all know that talking on our cell phones while driving is distracting, but that doesn’t stop some people from continuing to do it,” Traffic Sgt. Philip Brooks said. “This effort is intended to educate our community about the dangers of cell phone use while driving. We hope that once people see the statistics and realize the danger involved, they will change their driving habits to help protect themselves, their families, and others on the road.”
To avoid a distracted driving ticket or collision, the sheriff’s station advises drivers to turn off cell phones or put them out of reach when driving and to specify in your outgoing message that you cannot answer the phone while driving.