EFFORT TO REDUCE DISTRACTED DRIVING UNDER WAY IN THE “EVERGREEN STATE”
by Contributor
(May 30, 2017) — When you are driving, you might often see drivers in other cars using their mobile phones. If you stop at a red light or in traffic, you will probably see someone reaching over to check their emails or the latest Facebook posts eagerly.
Now, however, a measure signed by Governor Jay Inslee will prohibit the holding of any electronic device including phones, tablets, and other devices while driving in Washington. It also adds that this includes while waiting in traffic or waiting for a light to change.
It was to take effect from 2019. However, Inslee decided that this is too important to wait for this to come into force so that it will become law in June/July this year.
Minimal Use
Under the measure, the minimal use of a finger to activate or deactivate your device while driving is still allowed. This is most likely to enable you to dismiss a call or other function that would otherwise distract you from driving.
There are other exemptions under the law; these include using an electronic device to contact the emergency services and also operating an amateur radio station or two-way citizens band radio services.
Costly Mistake
If you are found in breach of this new law, you can expect a standard penalty of $135 if it is your first offense. However, if you have been caught before, the fine increases to around $235. As if that was not enough, the first distracted driving offense would also be reported to insurance companies, so your future premiums would rise.
Don’t get distracted
Another part of this new law also covers anyone who engages in “any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle.” If they are caught by an officer committing a traffic violation because they dropped something or spilled their coffee, then they would be subject to a penalty of $100.
It will make doing anything while driving a possible offense and not something that will be worth getting fined.
DUI Amendments
Also signed by Governor Inslee on the same day was a measure to lower the number of DUI convictions within ten years to three before the fourth sentence was counted as a felony. Previously, it was four convictions before a fifth was considered a felony charge, although some might argue that three is still too many. This will no doubt be something a DUI lawyer will be looking at closely as the weeks and months unfold. There’s no doubt about it, if you are caught driving under the influence, you will need the help of a DUI attorney.
With nearly 30 people dying in the US every day from drunk driving, and 10,228 dying in 2010 alone, there needed to be more regulation to prevent further needless death.
The new laws are sure to catch people out in the first few months following their implementation, but hopefully, in time, it will lead to a reduction in those people driving while distracted. Any accidents and fatalities that can be avoided by just one person thinking twice will surely be a step in the right direction.