Distracted driving on the rise, new report reveals increase in violations

A new study by the California Office of Traffic Safety said the number of Californians using their cell phones while driving is up more than 9 percent over last year.

“I was in an accident leaving work from Hartnell and some girl was on her phone and we hit because she was on her phone,” said Ariel Torres of Salinas, California.

The number of drivers killed or injured in collisions from distracted driving in 2014 was 10,500. In 2015 that number jumped to more than 11,000.

“It’s right up against the ear and you know what they’re doing,” said Salinas Police Department Sgt. Dana Cornelison. “Its kind of discouraging sometimes.”

“They’re making technology so advanced,” said Torres. “Cell phones, you’re using it for Google Maps, your using the Bluetooth hands free calling. “They’re even making cars so that you can connect your phone.”

While some attribute the uptick in cell phone use while behind the wheel is influenced by technology, the Salinas Police Department believes lack of enforcement is playing a major role.

“Agencies throughout the state, throughout the nation are suffering from a lack of resources,” said Cornelison.

Salinas Police told KION cutbacks in the budget and staff have shut down their small traffic unit and the department can no longer respond to certain traffic related calls.

“Unfortunately we don’t have the capacity to take care of it at this point,” said Cornelison.

Since there is not enough staff, more pressing emergencies are prioritized over traffic enforcement and education.

“Calls for service where there’s potential for loss of life or injury to somebody, that trumps traffic violation, cell phone, texting,” said Cornelison.

So that means many motorists don’t face consequences like citations and fines and continue to use their mobile devices.

“I think that because they waited so long to change the law everyone was already used to being on their phones already,” said Torres. “Now that they have people telling them oh no you can’t makes it that much harder.”

As for advice, it’s pretty simple.

“Hang up your phone and drive,” said Cornelison.

The department also told KION funding for traffic enforcement to target intersections with a high number of collisions has also dwindled.

The study also concluded that distracted driving is increasing in urban areas, during rush hour and amongst people ages 16 to 24.

ORIGINAL STORY: A recent study by the California Office of Traffic Safety found the number of people using their phones while driving has gone up, especially during rush hours.

Salinas Police said the new data is discouraging and traffic officers believe it has to do with the recession.

KION’s Maya Holmes will have more on this story at 5 and 6.