It comes to about 39 per month. San Benito County’s number
likely is exaggerated, too, as the total written by the CHP
includes some citations from southern Santa Clara County, said
Officer Chris Armstrong, a CHP spokesman.
HOLLISTER
The California Highway Patrol, Hollister Police Department and San Benito County Sheriff’s Office issued a total of 231 citations for drivers using hand-held cell phones – or about 39 tickets monthly – since their barring statewide July 1, according to law enforcement agencies.
San Benito County’s number likely is exaggerated, too, as the total written by the CHP includes some citations from southern Santa Clara County, said Officer Chris Armstrong, a CHP spokesman.
Hollister police issued 46 citations for cell phone use from July 1 to Dec. 31, while the sheriff’s office issued 37.
San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill believes the need for the legislation was clear, he said.
“People can tell you the number of times they have almost hit the back of someone’s vehicle,” he said. “And the highway patrol has good statistics that this is a primary cause of accidents. That’s why the Legislature wrote the law and the governor signed it.”
Since the law went into effect in July, about 49,000 citations have been issued by law enforcement agencies statewide.
State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, wrote the bill last year. He contended it was necessary in response to many accidents blamed on drivers being distracted while using cell phones. The law states that anyone using a cell phone while driving must have a hands-free earpiece. Simitian also wrote the bill signed into law starting Jan. 1 that made text messaging illegal while driving as well.
Armstrong said that inattentive driving is a major contributor to traffic accidents.
“One of the most distracting activities is texting, dialing or talking on a cellular phone,” said Armstrong. “I support new laws that limit distractions while one is driving. Being a defensive driver and remaining alert to your surroundings is vital.
“Many collisions will be avoided as drivers safely operate their vehicles rather than communicate with any electronic device.”
The sheriff’s office will enforce both the old and new laws, said Hill, even if traffic enforcement is not his deputies’ primary function.
“Like every other moving violation, we enforce when we see dangerous behavior. I am assuming that my guys are stopping folks when they are swerving or have no hands on the wheel.”
Hill went on: “We have all done this and we all know it is a distraction. Anything that makes our streets safer is helpful.”
