Zero Tolerance Texting Arrests | Crime

As part of this month’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign, the Clovis Police Department offered “zero tolerance” to those texting or operating hand-held cell phones April 2nd through April 30th. More than half of the 183 drivers cited were for using cell phone or texting.

Here are the results of the month-long operation in Clovis:

• 85 people were cited for using hand-held cell phones
• 15 people were cited for texting while driving
• 20 drivers were cited for being unlicensed or having no proof of insurance
• 7 drivers were cited for speeding (2 of those in a school zone)
• 7 drivers were cited for not wearing seatbelts or having a passenger without a seatbelt

Stop sign violations, impeding traffic flow, tinted windows, driving on a suspended or revoked license, illegal u-turn, tinted windows, stopping in a fire lane, defective lights and broken seat belts were among the balance of the citations traffic officers issued.

Remember, the current minimum ticket cost for cell phone use/texting is $159, with subsequent tickets costing at least $279.

“Turn off your phone and put it out of reach as you get into the car,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Think before you call or text someone. If there is a chance he or she may be driving, let it wait. It’s not worth it.”