BPD, National Highway Traffic Safety Emergency, reminds drivers to put down their phones

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — In support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's, "U Drive U Text U Pay" enforcement campaign, the Bakersfield Police Department reminds drivers to put down the phone when they drive.

From October 8-12 distracted driving enforcement will be conducted in the Bakersfield.

According to a survey conducted this year by the University of California, Berkeley

Under the 2017 hands-free cell phone law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other similar electronic device while behind the wheel. First-time offenders face a $157 fine.

If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location.

Drivers are encouraged to silence their phones before starting the car or placing the phone somewhere you can't reach it, such as the glove box or trunk.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.