Modesto police on watch for distracted drivers

The Modesto Police Department is deploying extra traffic enforcement officers Wednesday and Friday to stop distracted driving.

“While anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving is a hazard, there is heightened concern about the risks of texting while driving because it combines all three types of distraction – visual, manual and cognitive,” according to a news release from the Modesto Police Department.

“In addition, most drivers aren’t aware that just talking on a cell phone, hand-held or hands-free, can lead to ‘inattention blindness’ as critical brain functions needed for driving are used for cell phone talking.”

The Modesto police recommend the following safety measures:

▪ Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.

▪ Speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.

▪ Parents, if you know your teens are on the road, don’t call or text until you know they have reached their destination.

▪ Employers can adopt, publicize and enforce company policies that prohibit employees from texting or talking on hand-held cell phones while in a company vehicle, or in a personal vehicle while using a company-issued cell phone.

For more information about distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.

This story was originally published April 14, 2015 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Modesto police on watch for distracted drivers."