The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on Mar. 30 that it will be increasing efforts to address distracted driving throughout April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The department is urging drivers in Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and Norco to keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel.
Distracted driving remains a significant concern for public safety. The Sheriff’s Office said that distractions such as checking a phone, using in-dash touchscreens or car phone apps, adjusting the radio, or eating can lead to serious consequences on the road.
“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Deputy Bryn Lareau said. “When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, lives can change forever. We’re reminding our community that safety starts with each of us. Put the phone down, limit distractions, and help people get home safely.”
According to information provided by the department from a recent survey and state statistics, nearly 71.4% of California drivers identified distracted driving—particularly texting or checking phones—as their biggest safety concern in 2025. In 2023 alone, there were 158 fatalities attributed to distracted driving crashes across California—a figure representing a nearly seven percent increase from the previous year.
Throughout April, deputies will be actively looking for violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law. This law prohibits holding a phone or electronic device while operating a vehicle—even when stopped at red lights—and includes talking, texting or using apps. Repeat offenders within three years may receive an additional point on their driver record along with fines.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends several steps for safer driving: silencing notifications and storing phones out of reach; planning routes before starting; keeping both hands on the wheel; setting an example for young passengers; speaking up if someone else is distracted while driving; and pulling over safely if urgent attention is needed.
Funding for these enforcement efforts comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
