31 cited for using phones while driving

Police cited 31 motorists for using cell phones while driving during the first week of a traffic patrol operation near Clovis schools.

Only three people were cited for the same offense during the same period last year, police said.

In all, police issued 81 tickets — 39 were for speeding — during the first week of the school patrol this year.

Last year, 61 tickets were issued during the first week.

By Eddie Jimenez / The Fresno Bee