Drivers who are distracted will have the attention of Maryland State Police this month in particular.

Troopers are under instructions to conduct special distracted driving enforcement operations throughout April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving includes but is not limited to the following activities, according to police:

Texting

Using a handheld cell phone

Grooming

Using a navigation system

Reading

Watching a video

Adjusting a radio or other entertainment device When drivers are distracted, they can unknowingly drift into dangerous behavior such as driving in more than one lane, following too closely or not slowing down to avoid a crash, according to police. More than 31,100 people are injured each year in crashes in Maryland annually because of distracted driving, according to Maryland State Police.

"Jake's Law," which took effect in 2014, calls for a $5,000 fine and up to three years in prison for drivers who cause a serious or fatal crash while using a cellphone.

How To Prevent Distracted Driving

Drivers: Keep eyes on the road ahead. Leave hands on the steering wheel. Steer thoughts to driving and traffic conditions. Do not hold and use the phone while driving. Pull off to the side of the road if you have to make a call. If the phone will be a temptation, put it in the trunk or backseat.

Passengers: Offer to send texts or make calls for the driver, not letting him/her use the phone behind the wheel. Also help watch the road.

Police across the country will be ramping up enforcement of distracted driving prevention because it is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Highway Safety Council. The Maryland Highway Safety Office funds the specialized patrols at the 23 barracks statewide. Authorities remind drivers that texting or using a handheld phone are primary offenses that can result in someone being pulled over in the state of Maryland.

