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CHP Catching Distracted Drivers From The Sky

APPLE VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — The California Highway Patrol has been catching distracted drivers from the sky.

The law enforcement agency Thursday allowed CBS2 inside one of its patrol planes as it flew 1,000 feet in the air over the 15 Freeway in search of speeding motorists and distracted drivers.

"Most people don't, they don't event see us," said CHP Officer David Sandidge.

Once a driver is spotted, the pilot will radio-down to ground patrol, who will then locate the driver and pulled them over.

The month of April is dedicated to Distracted Driving Awareness.

"Talking on a cellphone, texting, eating, anything that takes your focus away from driving, that's a distraction," said CHP Officer Steve Carapia, a public information officer.

The most memorable distracted driver?

"Was somebody literally playing the trumpet while driving," said Carapia

Mike Espinoza, a driver, was caught driving and chatting on his cellphone.

"I didn't even see him. I was too busy talking to my insurance on the phone," he said.

Throughout the month, expect to see more ground and air patrols.

"Let's silence the distraction. Let's put our cellphones away and just focus on or driving," Carapia said.

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