Menifee Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation nets seven
MENIFEE, Calif. – So far this year one person has been killed and another 43 have been injured in distracted driving related crashes in Menifee. In response to the problem of distracted driving related crashes, the Menifee Police Department conducted a Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation Tuesday, Nov. 24.
During the four-hour enforcement operation, which was conducted from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., officers cited seven drivers for violating California’s hands-free cell phone law.
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California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under the hands-free cell phone law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving, and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner.
Yet, according to Menifee Police Sergeant Matthew Bloch, during the short enforcement operation, six drivers were cited for using their phone without a hands-free device and one was cited for other, unspecified, violations.
A Menifee police officer is seen writing a citation for a driver pulled over during a recent traffic stop. Menifee PD photo
“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, some drivers continue to use their phones when they are behind the wheel,” said Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh. “Our ultimate goal is to change behaviors, so that drivers are only focused on the task of driving.”
In response to the ongoing problem of distracted driving, Bloch offered several suggestions.
“If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot,” said Bloch; adding, “Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.”
“In addition to phones, other distractions include eating, putting on makeup, reaching for objects on the floor, changing clothes or using a car’s in-dash touchscreen,” Bloch continued.
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In addition to distracted driving operations, Menifee PD has two upcoming planned DUI saturation patrols and enforcement operations scheduled at unspecified locations within the city for Dec 3rd and 4th.
“Safety is paramount, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Chief Walsh said of the upcoming DUI saturation patrols. “We are all in this together and want everyone to be as safe as possible when they are out.”
“One way to do that is by not driving impaired,” added Walsh.
“Menifee Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving,” explained Bloch. “Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ‘operating heavy machinery’, which includes driving a car.”
“While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal,” Bloch continued; adding, “If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.”
“Driving sober is your safest bet,” said the Sergeant.
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Trevor Montgomery, 49, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, (the now defunct) Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta County.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.