WSP cracking down on distracted drivers

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol will be conducting a statewide emphasis and cracking down on distracted drivers starting tomorrow and ending on Sunday.

Washington's distracted driving law prohibits drivers from using electronic devices, with the prohibition including when a driver is stopped in traffic or at a traffic light. The law includes cell phones, laptops, tablets, gaming devices and other devices that can distract a person’s ability to drive, according to Sgt. James Prouty.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission states distracted driving causes 30 percent of traffic fatalities and accounts for 23 percent of serious injury collision in Washington. Motorists are granted the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate or start a function on a device. Prouty explained drivers can use their phones if it is hands-free and has the ability to be used with a single touch or swipe, if a person is parked or stopped out of the flow of traffic and off of the roadway and if a driver is contacting 911.

“The penalty for distracted driving is a $136 citation for the first offense. If you’re issued another citation within five years, the penalty raises to at least $234. Additionally, each offense is reported to your insurance companies,” Prouty said. “Drivers can receive an additional $99 penalty for being dangerously distracted if a driver commits a traffic violation because they were distracted.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.