Put down your cell phone and drive. That's the message San Diego County law enforcement wants to send to drivers as they crack down on talking and texting.
Starting Wednesday, law enforcement agencies countywide will be searching out drivers violating the hands free cell phone law. The zero tolerance enforcement is due to an increase in traffic collisions caused by drivers illegally using cell phones.
CHP officials say a person who is actively involved in a conversation is four times more likely to be in a collision. That's the same as if you're driving with a .08 blood alcohol level.
In 2008, more than 1,000 drivers in California who were involved in traffic collisions say a cell phone was to blame for their inattention on the road.
“Do you know when you text a message your attention is taken away from the road… for 4.6 seconds? That's an eternity when you're going down the highway," said CHP Officer Brian Pennings.
The cell phone law has been in effect for two years now. Texting and driving was banned a year ago so if you're caught you will be pulled over and face a fine.
