Special enforcement Feb. 23 will target distracted drivers in Mission Viejo

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Division is launching a special enforcement effort on Friday, Feb. 23 to target distracted drivers in Mission Viejo.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel – especially texting and cell phone use.

A 2016 survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) showed that more than 44 percent of Californians cite texting while driving as the most serious distraction for drivers, with more than 54 percent saying they’ve been hit, or nearly hit, by a driver talking or texting on a cell phone.

Laws were enacted to prohibit cell phone and electronic wireless device usage among drivers unless the device is used in a hands-free manner. (This doesn't count for drivers under 18 who cannot use a cell phone or any other electronic wireless device – at all.)

Cell phone usage is the most common distraction for drivers, but any other activities that pull a driver’s focus from the road could warrant a citation.

Here are some reminders to stay safe on the road:

• Never text and drive.
• Turn off your phone before you get behind the wheel.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
• Make a pact with your family, spouse and caregivers to never use the phone with children in the car.
• Don’t eat or drink while driving.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player or other devices while driving.
• If a phone call is necessary or you need reroute your map, pull over to a safe parking spot.
• Don’t groom.
• Don’t read.