Nearly 1,600 drivers in capital area cited for cell phone use

The California Highway Patrol and other Sacramento-area law enforcement agencies issued nearly 1,600 citations last month for using a hand-held cellphone while driving. The minimum fine for a first offense is $159, said Officer Adrian Quintero, spokesman for the CHP's Valley Division.

The final tally for the Sacramento region was:

• 1,583 citations issued for using a hand-held cellphone while driving.

• 61 citations for texting or reading electronic devices while driving.

• 72 citations for other distracted driving violations such as weaving, impeding traffic, and failure to stop for red lights or stop signs.

• 331 verbal warnings.

April marked California's first monthlong campaign aimed at distracted drivers, Quintero said. Two hundred eighty police and sheriff's departments throughout the state also participated in the campaign.

Drivers who use hand-held devices while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a traffic collision. In addition, studies have shown that texting while driving can delay a driver's reaction time to that of a drunken driver, Quintero said.