Statewide emphasis on distracted driving today through Sunday

Noting that distracted driving is the cause of 30% of traffic fatalities and makes up 23% of all serious injury collisions in the state, Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers will be conducting a statewide emphasis on distracted driving from Friday, September 21st through Sunday, September 23rd.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, distracted driving is the cause of 30% of traffic fatalities and makes up 23% of all serious injury collisions in the state.

WSP officials say troopers have contacted 18,557 drivers for distracted driving so far in 2018. In 2017, troopers stopped a total of 17,058 drivers.

According to RCW 46.61.672, 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. Personal electronic devices aren’t just limited to cell phones, but also includes laptop, tablets, music devices, games, etc. A driver is only allowed the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate or initiate a function on the device.

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However, drivers are allowed to use their phones if:

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

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.

Drivers can also be penalized for a secondary violation of dangerously distracted driving under RCW 46.61.673. Drivers can receive an additional $99 penalty for being dangerously distracted if a driver commits a traffic violation because they were distracted.