You’re driving down the freeway, on your way to Summer Meltdown. Your playlist just ended, the only sound is the wind rushing over the side mirrors of your car. You grab your phone to change the music and take a glance at your GPS for the next exit. What is now routine acts while driving, will soon be illegal because of new distracted driving rules.
Washington lawmakers are signing legislation to counter the distracted driving epidemic. Senate Bill 5289 modifies and expands infractions and penalties for distracted driving. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) released a report on February 13, 2017 finding that nearly 10 percent of drivers are holding devices while driving.
Cell phone usage can increase the chance of car crashes by three times. According to WTSC research, texting while driving can increase risk by twenty-three times. One study conducted by AAA, found it takes 27 seconds to re-focus on the road after using a cell phone. Experts call this “inattention blindness,” per the WTSC.
Two-thirds of drivers surveyed are in favor of restricting distractions while driving, according to an AAA Foundation for Safety Study. 70 percent of those people admit to using their cell phone while driving. The prevalence of cell phone use behind the wheel has pushed Gov. Jay Inslee to put SB 5289 on the fast track, despite some representatives wishes to wait. Bill sponsor Rep. Sen. Ann Rivers originally wanted a start time in 2019 to give law enforcement time to promote and prepare for the new measures, livetrucking.com reports.
“Section 5 (of SB 5289,) creates a delayed implementation date of January 1, 2019. I am vetoing this section because public safety is better served by implementing this bill this year,” Inslee said in his veto message.
Doug Fulp, M. Ed., Health Educator at CWU’s Wellness Center, is in favor of new distracted driving rules. The numbers show there have been increased instances of accidents caused by cell phone use. From a public health standpoint, it’s a good thing the laws directly reflect the problem, Fulp said.
The only caveat for passing the legislation is enforcement. Some people are worried the sheer number of violators will make the legislation a moot point. However, seat belt legislation has resulted in 95 percent compliance rate since it was enacted, Washington State Patrol reports. Fulp believes this will work as well.
“Consistent enforcement is key,” Fulp said.
So far there are no plans to increase patrols to enforce the Driving Under Electronic Influence (DUEI) law. And only $19,000 has been allocated for DUEI enforcement, The Seattle Times reports. Washington State Patrol also gets grant funding from the WTSC that will help with the transition, Brian Moore said. Washington State Trooper Brian Moore is the recruiter and public information officer for District 6.
“The Washington State Patrol going to actively enforce this new law, and do whatever we can to minimize the distracted driving serious injury or fatality collisions. If we can prevent just one it’s worth it,” Moore said.
Starting July 23, you can get pulled over and ticketed for a DUEI while holding a device in your hand. So what are alternatives for checking your GPS or changing the music on long road trips?
Hands-free capabilities like Bluetooth and mounted dash-brackets for your phone are your best bets because they are still legal. Texting behind the wheel is still illegal regardless of the dash mount, Moore said. Also, turn on voice GPS notifications and voice control for your phone. Just in case you must send an emergency text because your caravan gets separated.
“Obviously it’s safer to pull over to the side of the road if necessary,” Moore stated.
Fines for new distracted driving rules start at $136, and the second offense will cost you $270 if happens within five years of the first, Moore said. These infractions will now be reported to insurance companies, which will very likely increase your insurance premiums, The Seattle Times reports.
It’s important to change your driving habits now or risk being more broke after festival season is over, or dead before it even begins.
