Oxford, Miss. (OPD) – Throughout the month of April, law enforcement personnel will be cracking down on motorists who are distracted with mobile phones while driving. The objectives of the national high-visibility enforcement U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign are to: conduct intense enforcement of anti-texting laws, and couple the efforts with advertising, media, and social media outreach to let drivers know about the enforcement and convince them to obey the law.
“Driving and texting is not only irresponsible—it’s illegal,” said Chief Joey East. “We focus on educating people about the dangers of driving under the influence, but distracted driving is just as dangerous.”
Distracted driving statistics portray a grim picture: In 2014, an estimated 3,179 people were killed (10% of all crash fatalities) and an additional 431,000 were injured (18% of all crash injuries) in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
“It’s not that complicated: If you text and drive, and we will see you, we will pull you over. We’re serious about enforcing distracted driving laws,” said East.
As in the past couple of years, OPD will be conducting their “April Awareness” traffic safety blitz. The officers will be checking for seat belts, proof of insurance, valid driver’s licenses, and compliance of distracted driving laws.
For more information on the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, please visit www.distraction.gov 
