SEATTLE — Authorities across Washington state will begin cracking down on drivers using their smartphones behind the wheel.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), nearly 150 law enforcement agencies will take part in the crackdown, which kicks off Monday as part of "Distracted Driving Awareness Month."
Officers will increase patrols to look for drivers who are texting or talking on the phone, which is prohibited under state law.
Violators face a $136 fine.
The increased enforcement will take place over two weeks and is part of the Target Zero campaign, a statewide initiative to reduce the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2030.
The WTSC recommends that drivers adopt the following five common-sense rules:
- Turn off your phone and put it in the glove box.
- If you’re a passenger, hold the driver’s phone.
- Don’t text or call a friend or loved one if you know they are driving.
- If using GPS on your phone, plug in the address before you start the car and use a mounted phone holder.
- Talk to family members (especially teen drivers) about the risks of cell phone use. Model responsible behavior by not using your phone while in the car.
A recent study by the WTSC shows more than two-thirds of distracted drivers are distracted by their cellphones.
“Our goal is that everyone will become more aware of the dangers of driving distracted. It only takes one driver distracted for a few seconds to wreck lives forever. We can avoid that – we just have to turn our phones off and turn safety on,” said Angie Ward, program manager at WTSC.
Cox Media Group
