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Washington state patrol distracted driving emphasis begins Friday

Troopers with Washington State Patrol are conducting a statewide emphasis on distracted driving from Friday to Sunday.

Distracted driving is the cause of 30% of traffic fatalities and is responsible for 23% of all serious injury collisions in Washington state, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

In 2017, troopers stopped 17,058 drivers while in 2018, 18,557 drivers have already been stopped for distracted driving.

Drivers are prohibited from using a personal electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, including when stopped in traffic or at a traffic light, according to RCW 46.61.672.

While many consider distracted driving to only concern cellphones, personal electronic devices also include laptops, tablets, gaming devices, etc.

RCW 46.61.672 allows drivers only "the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function on the device."

However, drivers are allowed to use their phones if:

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-It's hands-free and can be started by using a single touch or swipe of a finger 
-You are parked or stopped out of the flow of traffic and safely off the roadway 
-Calling 911

A first offense carries a $136 citation, but the citation rises to at least $234 if drivers are issued another citation within five years. Each offense is also reported to a driver’s insurance company.

Under RCW 46.61.673, an additional $99 penalty can be issued for being dangerously distracted if a driver commits a traffic violation because they were distracted.