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WSP Perforning Statewide Distracted Driving Emphasis Patrols

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WSP Press Release, Washington State PatrolWashington State Patrol (WSP) troopers will conduct a statewide emphasis on distracted  driving from Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23, 2019.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission lists distracted driving as the cause of 30% of statewide
traffic fatalities as well as the cause of 23% of all serious injury collisions in Washington. In 2018, WSP contacted over 20,000 drivers for distracted driving, 3,000 more than the previous year.

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According to RCW 46.61.672, drivers are prohibited from using a personal electronic device while  operating a motor vehicle on a public highway— which includes when stopped in traffic or at a traffic  light. Personal electronic devices aren’t just limited to cell phones, but also includes laptop, tablets,
gaming devices, etc. A driver is only allowed 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:
• 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

Distracted driving, texting while driving
Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR

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, with an additional $99 penalty if a driver commits a traffic violation because they were distracted.

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WSP Chief, John Batiste put it succinctly, “There is no call, text, e-mail or update that is worth a life,  yours or the person in the car you hit.” He added, “Drivers, please pay attention. You matter and we want you to arrive at your destination safely.”


The above is a press release from the WSP. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents.

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