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Bay Area CHP Issues Almost 6,000 Distracted Driving Citations

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Bay Area California Highway Patrol officers issued thousands of citations last month, part of a special campaign against distracted driving.

The "It's Not Worth It" campaign is in its second year and CHP officers issued nearly 6,000 tickets in the Bay Area over the entire month.

"The focus was all individuals that have their attention drawn to other things, whether they're eating or putting on make-up. We even had some admitting to changing their clothes while they're driving," said CHP Sgt. Diana McDermott. "The most focused one that they're finding out has definitely caused more collisions is the texting and the use of cellphones."

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

McDermott said in April, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol issued approximately 30,000 citations statewide related to distracted driving.

Last April, officials said they issued more than 52,000 citations, four times the monthly average.

A first time citation costs a minimum of $159, with a second violation at least $279.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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