Police cracking down on distracted drivers throughout April
Apr 3, 2017, 7:02 AM
75 percent of drivers still believe it's safe to text and drive. (KIRO 7)
(KIRO 7)
If you’re someone who still fiddles with your phone while driving, police will be looking for you.
RELATED: Washington senator amazed at the bad driving she sees
Nearly 150 law enforcement agencies will be out in force looking for distracted drivers during the month of April.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, fatal crashes in Washington that were caused by distracted driving increased by 32 percent from 2014 to 2015.
A recent study by the commission shows 71 percent of distracted drivers are distracted by their cellphones.
And in studies, drivers are up to four times more likely to be in a crash when talking on their phone, and 23 times more likely to crash when entering information into their phones.
Under current Washington law, it’s illegal to text or hold your phone to your ear while driving.
If you’re caught, you’ll face a minimum $136 fine.
The extra effort to crack down on drivers coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
The focus is part of the state’s Target Zero program, striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030.
The Traffic Safety Commission has some ideas to reduce the temptation to use your phone while driving, such as turning it off and putting it in the glovebox or having a passenger hold it.
