Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Takoma Park Police Department announced that through the month of April, the Takoma Park Police Department participated in the National Distracted Driver Awareness campaign. During this campaign, one state citation and 14 warnings were issued for distracted driving offenses.
Per Takoma Park Police: “Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving; this includes using a hand-held cell phone and texting. All distractions endanger drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
This effort was part of a high-visibility enforcement initiative that combines intense enforcement with further educating the public of the dangers of distracted driving. The ultimate goal is to save lives by convincing motorists to obey the law. Drivers are reminded to remove all distractions while driving including any wireless devices. A wireless device is described as a hand-held or hands-free device used to access a wireless telephone service or to send or receive electronic messages. The penalty for this violation is a fine not more than $83.00 for the first offense, not more than $140.00 for a second or subsequent offense or not more than $160.00 for a third or subsequent offense. Three points may be assessed by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) if the violation contributes to a motor vehicle crash. Texting while driving carries a fine of $70 and one point, however, if the texting and driving contributes to a motor vehicle crash, the fine is $110 and three points are assessed by the MVA. If distracted driving causes an accident and results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person(s), there could be 12 points assessed by MVA and there is a mandatory court appearance.
Chief DeVaul states that Takoma Park Police will continue their efforts beyond April to focus on drivers who are distracted using hand-held cell phones, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving.
Please be safe and keep your eyes on the road for your safety and the safety of others!”