Menlo Park Police Department plans to crackdown on citations during Distracted Driver Month in April

The Menlo Park Police Department joins the California Highway Patrol and other California Law Enforcement Agencies in stepping up efforts to convince drivers of the dangers of distracted driving.

The “It’s not worth it” campaign emphasizes a phone call or text message is not worth a hefty fine or collision.

“In a few short years, distracted driving has grown to be a nationwide traffic safety concern, and we all need to put forth the effort necessary to put an end to it,” said Christopher J. Murphy, director of the state Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

“Law enforcement agencies will be stepping up their efforts to help remind drivers to stay alert when behind the wheel and to not endanger their lives or the lives of others with distractions from mobile devices.”

According to OTS, tips to avoid distracted driving include:

• Turn off your phone and/or put it out of reach while driving

• State in your outgoing voicemail that you cannot answer the phone while driving

Distracted driving includes any activity that takes your attention off of the task of driving and focusing on the roadway, which includes eating, drinking, looking at a GPS device, text, or mp3 player, etc.