El Monte police stepping up patrols to reduce distracted driving

EL MONTE - The El Monte Police Department will conduct additional patrols in much of April in an attempt to reduce distracted driving.

The additional patrols will be conducted between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Monday through April 17 and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. from April 18-30, said El Monte Police Department Chief Thomas Armstrong.

"Cell phone use and texting while driving is such a serious concern that we are putting officers on the road to enforce zero tolerance. Is that text message or cell phone call really worth $159," Armstrong said referring to the minimum fine for the first offense.

Using a hand-held device while driving makes an accident four times more likely, Armstrong said.

Kristanna Loken Tricia Vessey Joss Stone Maria Sharapova Josie Maran