On August 10, 2010, the 1^st Annual Sacramento region "zero tolerance" campaign will be conducted throughout the Sacramento region aimed at citing drivers who are distracted by cell phone chat or texting.

Cell phones are the leading, identifiable contributing factor to inattentive driver crashes in California. According to CHP data, since the inception of the hands-free law, more than 1,200 collisions throughout the state have listed the contributing factor of inattention by the driver due to cell phone usage. In those collisions, 16 fatalities occurred and more than 850 victims were injured.

The campaign is designed to deter people from using their cell phones to chat or to text while driving. Cell phone violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for the second offense. However, when court costs and other fees are added, the first offense can cost as much as $100. Go hands free or leave your cell phone out of reach while driving.

The Sacramento Police Department along with the California Highway Patrol, Elk Grove Police Department, West Sacramento Police Department, Roseville Police Department, Galt Police Department, and the Rancho Cordova Police Department are expected to participate.