Watch Out In Menifee! Police Targeting Unsafe Drivers

Murrieta CA

11 February, 2021

8:44 PM

Description

MENIFEE, CA — Patrol officers in Menifee will be conducting a series of targeted operations Friday aimed at deterring unsafe driving. According to Menifee police Chief Pat Walsh, officers will be cracking down on motorists talking on their mobile phones and failing to buckle up. "Buckling up only takes a few seconds and is the best defense in the event of a crash," Walsh said. "We have seen first-hand the consequences of not wearing a seat belt. This should be a no-brainer, but there are people who still choose to not wear a seat belt, or secure children in the correct car seat." He said that in 2019, eight people were injured in collisions citywide during which the victims were not wearing safety restraints. A ticket for a seat belt violation is $162. For failing to secure a child in a car or booster seat, the penalty runs as high as $490. According to the chief, officers will be taking a no-tolerance approach to drivers using phones or other electronic devices. "Distracted driving is a serious issue, but one that can be easily solved simply by putting the phone down," Walsh said. "That text, phone call, email or social media post can wait." A ticket for failure to utilize a hands-free device while driving is $157 -- for the first offense. Officers will be canvassing all areas of the city during day and night patrols as part of the targeted enforcement effort, according to Walsh.