Cops Crack Down on Cell Phone Use By Drivers

During a month-long effort, Watsonville police ticketed 114 motorists for using their cell phones while driving, Watsonville police traffic Sgt. Michael Ridgway reported Thursday.

The police department participated in the statewide Distracted Driving Awarness Campaign in a partnership with the state Office of Traffic Safety.

During the crackdown, 14 of the violators also were unlicensed and one was driving on a suspended license, according to Ridgway.

Distracted driving is a big concern to public safety. Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the many hands free devices available that make phone conversations, while driving, convenient and safe, Ridgway stated in a press release.

One Patch blogger just wrote about his encounter with a motorist "under the influence of a cell phone."