April was designated by the State of Maryland as Distracted Driving Month. Officers with the Frederick Police Department conducted selective traffic enforcement for distracted driving violations throughout the month. Officers conducted 196 traffic stops for various distracted driving violations. Officers issued 147 citations for drivers using handheld cell phones without a hands free device, 6 citations for texting while driving and 2 citations for drivers holding a learner’s permit using a handheld cell phone without a hands free device. Officers also provided drivers who were stopped with informational brochures on distracted driving. Distracted driving is defined as, any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions elevate the danger to drivers, passengers, and bystanders. Last year an estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. This enforcement/educational effort was funded through a grant provided by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office. The Frederick Police Department would like to remind motorists to drive safely and always use your hands free device when using a cell phone.
Authored by OFC. Kacie Strong
Released by Lt. Bruce DeGrange
PIO Lt Clark Pennington