‘Cell phone zombie’ patrol

California Highway Patrol is teaming with local law enforcement agencies to step up efforts to curb the use of cellphones while driving as part of the national Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign.

Studies have found that texting takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds and can delay reaction time as severely as being legally drunk, according to a CHP press release. The release also warns of becoming a “cellphone zombie,” or failing to notice something in one’s field of vision as a result of hands-free or hand-held cellphone conversations

Enforcement operations are scheduled for today, April 8, as well as April 17 and 22. The minimum fine for operating a hand-held cellphone while driving is $161, with subsequent tickets costing at least $281.