LAPD and CHP Crack Down on Distracted Driving in April
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time when law enforcement agencies try to intensify efforts to combat the issue of distracted driving. In California, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are leading the charge with heightened enforcement and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing distractions behind the wheel and preventing serious accidents.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road. It’s not just texting or talking on the phone—distractions can include eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, checking your appearance in the mirror, or even talking to passengers.
There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving
Texting is especially dangerous because it involves all three at once. Even a quick glance at your phone can be enough to cause a serious crash. That’s why California law enforcement is taking distracted driving so seriously.
What are California's distracted driving laws?
California has strict laws that hope to keep drivers focused on the road. For instance, it’s illegal to hold or use a phone while driving unless it’s completely hands-free. That means no texting, scrolling, or holding the phone—even at stoplights.
There are exceptions to these laws when it comes to emergencies. A call to emergency services or law enforcement is allowed. When it comes to drivers 18 and under, cell phone use is banned completely, including hands-free.
Violating any of these laws can lead to fines and points on your license, which may affect driving records and insurance rates.
New enforcement measures are underway
Throughout April, the LAPD has been actively seeking out drivers who are violating the state's hands-free cell phone law. According to WestSideToday, the California Highway Patrol launched a 24-hour “Maximum Enforcement Period” starting April 1 to crack down on distracted driving. All available officers were on patrol, reminding drivers to stay focused and make safe choices behind the wheel.
The LAPD emphasizes the importance of silencing phones or placing them out of reach before driving to avoid temptation.
Distracted driving is a choice—and it has real consequences
Too often, distracted driving is dismissed as a harmless habit. But the reality is far more serious. In California, thousands of people are injured or killed every year because another driver chooses to look at a text, scroll through social media, or fumble with a GPS instead of paying attention to the road. These aren’t just “accidents”—they’re preventable incidents caused by negligence.
Distracted drivers often fail to react in time to stop at red lights, avoid pedestrians in crosswalks, or maintain safe distances from other vehicles. In the worst cases, lives are changed forever in an instant—through serious injury, long-term disability, or loss of life. Victims are left facing mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and financial stress—all because someone else made a reckless decision.
At Oaks Law Firm, we believe distracted driving should never be excused or minimized. If you’ve been hit by someone who was using their phone or otherwise not paying attention, you deserve answers—and accountability. We work to uncover the facts, secure critical evidence like phone records and surveillance footage, and build a strong case on your behalf.
No one should have to pay the price for another person’s careless actions. Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact a Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a distracted driving accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Oaks Law Firm, we understand the toll these accidents can take. That’s why we fight fiercely for our clients, holding negligent drivers accountable and pursuing every dollar of compensation you’re entitled to.
Our team brings years of experience and an aggressive, results-driven approach to every case. Whether it’s dealing with medical bills, lost income, or the pain of recovery, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Based in the San Fernando Valley and proudly serving clients throughout all of California, Oaks Law Firm is committed to making sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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"I had an exceptional experience working with Oaks Law Firm, particularly Matt and Nicole. From the moment I contacted them until the day my case was closed, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my well-being. They took the time to explain everything in detail and ensured I understood all my options. Communication was always clear, and they were quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. The attorneys were not only highly skilled but also compassionate, which made me feel at ease throughout the process. I highly recommend Oaks Law Firm for anyone in need of legal services." - Aditi K.,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐