April is Distracted Driving Awareness month in Washington, and the Washington State Patrol is marking that occasion with extra patrols to catch motorists using their cell phones behind the wheel, which has been illegal in the state since July 2017.
Trooper Will Finn, public information officer for the state patrol’s district 5 — which includes Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Klickitat and Skamania counties — said drivers should expect to see an increased law enforcement presence across the state.
“We are partnering with our other local agencies … and putting extra boots on the ground, basically,” Finn said.
Washington’s Driving Under the Influence of Electronics, or E-DUI law, went into effect July 2017. A first ticket costs drivers $136 and a second, in five years increases the fine to $234.
Since then, law enforcement agencies statewide have given drivers nearly 1,500 E-DUI tickets, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Finn said Gov. Jay Inslee asked troopers to give drivers a six-month grace period to educate the public about the new law.
“As of January, the grace period is over,” Finn said. “The law is really robust now and gives us a little more teeth.”
According to WTSC, drivers are three times more likely to crash when talking on the phone, and 23 times more likely to crash when entering information on their phone. Despite the new law, drivers continue to be distracted by phones, Finn said.
“It’s an increasing behavior on the roadway that is extremely dangerous,” Finn said.
Finn said the average driver takes their eyes off the road for 27 seconds to send a text.
Assuming a speed of 25 miles per hour, “you will travel three football fields,” he said. “That is a really long distance not being engaged in the task at hand.”
Drivers are only allowed to complete actions requiring one touch on a phone while driving. Hands-free systems are allowed. The WTSC advises drivers to keep phones out of reach.
Drivers could also be ticketed for distracted driving if officers observe a behavior, such as eating, drinking or paying attention to an animal in the car, if it contributes to a traffic violation, Finn said.
