April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Truckee Police Department, in cooperation with the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies nationwide, is participating in educational and enforcement activities related to distracted driving.

The overall goal of the increased enforcement is to convince drivers of the dangers of distracted driving and reduce the number of people impacted by this risky behavior. The “It’s Not Worth It!” theme of this national campaign emphasizes that a phone call or text isn’t worth a hefty fine or a collision.

Truckee PD hopes to encourage safe behavior for local drivers by enhancing enforcement activities specifically related to cell phone use during the month of April.

Truckee PD offers the following tips to avoid becoming distracted from safe driving:

1. Turn off your phone and/or put it out of reach while driving

2. Include in your outgoing message that you can’t answer while you are driving

3. Don’t call or text anyone at a time when you think they may be driving

4. Adjust controls and set your song playlist before you set out on the road

5. Stay alert and keep your mind on the task of driving- often after a long day at work or a not-so-restful night’s sleep, people’s minds can wander when behind the wheel. If you find yourself daydreaming – clear your head and focus on the road.