NEWMAN — The Newman Police Department will conduct traffic safety operations throughout April with a focus on distracted driving, the agency announced.

“Distracted driving is a contributing factor in many traffic collisions,” Sgt. Ashley Williams said in a statement. “It’s a dangerous behavior that places those who share our roadways in unnecessary danger.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from the road, including texting or talking on a phone while driving.

The enforcement effort is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.