Survey shows Washington residents have mixed feelings about E-DUI law

SEATTLE — In light of the one-year anniversary of Washington passing its Electronics DUI law, the King County Target Zero Task Force conducted a survey of 900 King County drivers to gauge responses to the legislation. Results of the study shows that while drivers acknowledge that using a phone while driving is dangerous, many are reluctant to put their phone away.

To mark the anniversary, law enforcement agencies in King County are running extra patrols from July 23 to July 29 to look for distracted drivers.

Although it’s been nearly a year since Gov. Jay  Inslee signed the law into effect, there was a six-month grace period during which officers only issued warnings as drivers became adjusted to the new rules.

More than 70 percent of people surveyed viewed another driver using a phone as a serious personal threat, but 75 percent thinks it’s unlikely that they will crash their own vehicle due to phone use.

The study also showed that there is still some confusion over the “minimal use of a finger” provision, where drivers can initiate a function on their phones with a single touch.

The E-DUI law, which went into effect last July, prohibits drivers from holding electronic devices – including phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets – while behind the wheel.

This applies to people while driving, stopped in traffic or waiting at a light.

Officers who see drivers holding an electronic device in their hand can pull the driver over as a primary offense. There is a provision that allows drivers to hold their phone to contact emergency services or if they are pulled over and safely out of traffic.

Drivers can be fined $136 for their first offense, and if a driver receives a second E-DUI law within five years, the fine is $234.

Cox Media Group