FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Fresno Police Department is reminding drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Distractions such as texting, using a car app, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving can have devastating consequences.
According to the 2025 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 71.4% of drivers said distracted driving, especially from checking a phone, was their top safety concern.
In 2023, 158 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in California, a 6.8% increase from the previous year.
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Experts warn these numbers may be underreported since officers cannot always determine if distraction caused a crash.
Throughout April, Fresno police will be actively enforcing the state’s hands-free cell phone law, which prohibits holding or using a phone while driving, even at a red light. Violations can result in fines, and repeat offenses within 36 months can add points to a driver’s record.
The Fresno Police Department offers these tips to stay safe:
Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone out of reach.Plan ahead: Set GPS, mirrors, and controls before starting your drive.Keep both hands on the wheel: Avoid eating, grooming, or adjusting controls while moving.Be a role model: Show passengers, especially young drivers, how to stay focused.Speak up: Passengers should politely remind drivers if they become distracted.Pull over if necessary: Stop in a safe place to handle urgent tasks.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.