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Crime & Safety

Deputies Plan Distracted Driver Campaign in Industry

Industry Sheriff's deputies will ticket April 24, if you're caught texting or holding a cell phone to your head while driving, it was announced today.

Sheriff's deputies who patrol Industry will give you a ticket April 24, if you're caught texting or holding a cell phone to your head while driving, it was announced today.

No warnings will be given out that Wednesday as part of a Distracted Driving Awareness Month crackdown, and fines for a first-offense are $159, according to deputies with the sheriff's Traffic Services Detail.

A second offense can cost $279.

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"We all know that talking on our cell phones while driving is distracting, but that doesn't stop some people from continuing to do it," sheriff's Capt. Shaun J. Mathers said. "This effort is intended to educate our community about the dangers of cell phone use while driving."

The state Office of Traffic Safety is paying for scores of special enforcement operations this month.

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In 2011, about 390,000 people nationwide were injured or killed in accidents caused by distracted driving, which is believed to be a leading cause of fatal accidents involving teenagers. In 2010, about 2,700 young people in California between 16 and 19 died in wrecks that were caused at least in part by distracted driving, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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