According to www.distraction.gov, the official government website on distracted driving, you are 23 times more likely to crash while texting and driving.  This statistic is the motivating factor behind a national campaign to reduce distracted driving and the California Highway Patrol is instituting a zero-tolerance policy for texting and cell phone use.

Currently, a minimum cost of a cellphone ticket is $159 and other subsequent tickets may rise as high as $279.

The National Safety Council has found that more than 2 in 3 drivers last month reported talking on their cell phone while driving.  Another fact to consider is that approximately 9% of all drivers in the country are talking on their phone at any given moment during the day, according to the National High Traffic Safety Administration.

So, what does this mean for you?  Well, it means that the CHP, the Los Angeles Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies will be looking for distracted drivers and will be issuing tickets to persons they see texting, emailing, Facebooking, and Twittering.  They will be riding up next to you, looking through your windows and issuing tickets for any slight violation.  Traffic officers take these violations very seriously as distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and injuries.

If you have been issued a ticket for cell phone use, texting, speeding or any other moving violation, it is important to contact attorney Ross Erlich and discuss what options are available avoid a point on your license, possible license suspension or an increase of your insurance premiums.  Keep in mind that just because you were issued a traffic ticket doesn’t mean you have to plead guilty and pay the fine.  Attorney Ross Erlich can fight to get the ticket dismissed or get the fines greatly reduced and handles all tickets in Metro Court, Van Nuys, Chatsworth and Beverly Hills.