Fontana PD hosts joint traffic operation
With spring arriving and summer soon, the Fontana Police Department reminds drivers to focus on traffic safety. Distracted driving is a problem, so a moment and remember how quickly lives can change and the impact split-second decisions can have.
The Fontana Police Department recently hosted a Joint Traffic Operation. Fontana Police officers were joined by officers from the Colton, San Bernardino and Upland police departments, as well as deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, to conduct traffic enforcement citywide. The violations enforced included speeding, stop sign violations, driving under the influence, and any other infractions that could potentially lead to a crash.
High-incident areas received increased patrols, and enforcement targeted locations where injury collisions resulted from the violations being addressed. This operation's collaborative aspect was supported by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
As a result of this operation, 341 vehicles were stopped, leading to 309 citations. Eight arrests were made for outstanding warrants and drug charges.
DUI checkpoint results in three arrests
The Fontana Police Department conducted a DUI checkpoint on March 22. As a result of this operation, one person was arrested for DUI (alcohol), and two others were arrested for public intoxication.
The DUI checkpoint took place in the eastbound lanes of Foothill, east of Sierra, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Additionally, 11 individuals were cited for driving without a license, and 1,286 vehicles were contacted.
DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.
A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding for this checkpoint.
Fontana PD and ABC conduct operation
The Fontana Police Department and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a Minor Decoy Operation to investigate the furnishing of alcoholic beverages to minors, resulting in two citations. This operation took place on March 27 in the city of Fontana, where five licensed alcohol retailers were visited.
ABC agents and local law enforcement carried out the Minor Decoy Operation, aimed at alcohol-licensed establishments that sell alcohol to minors. Under direct supervision, a minor attempts to purchase alcohol at a licensed business. The minor is instructed to provide truthful age information or show identification if requested.
If a business sells alcohol to a minor, it can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty for this offense is a minimum fine of $1,000 and 24 hours of community service.
“We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” said ABC director Joseph McCullough. “By preventing underage drinking, we can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUIs.”
Statistics indicate that individuals under the age of 21 face a significantly higher risk of being involved in a crash compared to older drivers. Approximately 25% of fatal crashes are associated with underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.
Fontana PD urges residents to drive safe
To prevent distracted driving and save lives on Fontana’s roads, the Fontana Police Department reminds all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes ahead, and maintain their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions can lead to devastating consequences.
"Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all accomplish,” Sgt. Kurt Schlotterbeck stated. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at our phones can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is also deadly. Stay focused, stay alert, and help us keep our roads safe.”
According to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed stated that distracted driving due to texting was their primary safety concern. In 2022, 148 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes caused by distracted driving in California. The figures are likely underreported, as law enforcement officers may not always be able to determine whether distraction was a contributing factor in a crash.
The Fontana Police Department will actively search for drivers throughout the month who violate the state’s hands-free cellphone law.
Under current law, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even if stopped at a red light. This prohibition includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cellphone while driving incurs a fine, and a second violation of the hands-free law within 36 months of a previous conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to the driver’s record.
Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:
Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.
Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.
Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.
Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.
Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.
Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.