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Police Will Be Cracking Down On Drivers Texting Or Making Hand-Held Calls Behind The Wheel

SOUTH GATE (CBS) — Law enforcement agencies throughout the Southland will be cracking down this week on people who send text messages or make calls on hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel as part of a campaign targeting "distracted drivers."

The South Gate and San Gabriel police departments are among those participating in the campaign, which will run through April 18.

At minimum, a ticket will cost offenders $159 -- with subsequent tickets costing at least $279, Sgt. Edward Perez of the South Gate Police Department said.

"We take the issue of distracted driving very seriously," South Gate Police Chief Randy Davis said. "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?"

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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