Process Overview of the High-Visibility Enforcement Programs Targeting Handheld Device Users in California and Delaware

NHTSA · 2015 · ROSA P / Preusser Research Group, Inc.

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Summary

This report details the process and outcomes of high-visibility enforcement (HVE) programs targeting handheld cell phone use while driving in California and Delaware. Motivated by the significant toll of distracted driving—over 3,300 deaths and 421,000 injuries in the U.S. in 2012—the study aimed to determine if HVE strategies, previously successful in community-level pilots in Hartford and Syracuse, could be effectively scaled to regional and statewide levels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) partnered with the California Office of Traffic Safety and the Delaware Highway Safety Office to implement these demonstration programs between November 2012 and June 2013. The experimental design involved three waves of coordinated enforcement and publicity in each state. Delaware implemented a statewide program covering nearly 900,000 residents, while California focused on the Sacramento Valley region, serving approximately 4 million residents. The programs utilized the slogan "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" across paid media (television, radio, online) and earned media to alert the public. Law enforcement agencies, including 37 local departments and the California Highway Patrol in California, and nearly all 42 police departments in Delaware, conducted enforcement activities. Tactics included saturation patrols, checkpoints, routine patrols, and the use of spotters. Delaware officers utilized unmarked vehicles, whereas California officers employed motorcycle patrols capable of lane-splitting to detect violators. The findings indicate that HVE can be successfully implemented across broad geographical areas involving numerous law enforcement agencies. The programs achieved high levels of public awareness regarding enforcement efforts and the associated risks. Law enforcement officers reported that various tactics, particularly saturation patrols and the use of spotters or motorcycles, were effective in detecting violations. Key insights from officers highlighted that weaving, inconsistent speed, and delayed reactions at intersections were primary indicators of distraction. The report emphasizes that direct observation of device usage is critical for prosecution and that documenting specific details, such as the position of the phone and driver behavior, is essential for successful legal outcomes. The significance of this report lies in its provision of a comprehensive framework for planning and conducting state-level HVE programs. It demonstrates that coordinated enforcement and publicity can create a unified enforcement presence, thereby increasing the perceived risk of citation among drivers. The report offers actionable lessons for highway safety officials, including the importance of detailed action plans, coalition building, and rigorous evaluation metrics such as observational surveys and citation tracking. By documenting the successes and challenges of scaling HVE, the study provides a model for other jurisdictions seeking to reduce distracted driving through vigorous enforcement and public education.

Key finding

The report describes the operational framework and lessons learned from implementing high-visibility enforcement programs but does not present final quantitative outcome data regarding changes in phone use rates or crash statistics.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• distraction laws
• automated enforcement cameras
• mobile phones
• dui enforcement

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation, policy recommendations
• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence