April was Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and California Highway Patrol says hundreds were cited here on the central coast. During the month of April, Santa Cruz cited more than 339 drivers, and Monterey cited 154 drivers. More than half of those were for texting or calling while driving. Officers say the best way to reduce temptation, is to keep your phone away from arms reach. 3.4 people died in distracted driving accidents nationwide in 2016. The California Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers while April was a month to bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving, it’s something that needs to be practiced year round.
