PSA: New Distracted Driving Law in WA on 7/23

[Rocinante]

Just helping to ensure everyone knows about the new Distracted Driving law in WA. There's no need to debate this or expound upon the principles. This law already passed and goes into effect on Sunday.

So, I'm just helping to make sure that all residents of and visitors to WA are aware of this new law, in hopes of preventing anyone from getting an expensive ticket. Have a nice camping trip here, WA residents enjoy visitors, c'mon over!

(Do not assume that my post here indicates agreement or disagreement with this law. I'm simply informing you.)

Details here: http://wadrivetozero.com/distracted-driving/

[Hittenstiehl]

Very good information to be passing along.

My response also does not indicate that I agree or disagree with the law.

I will however be very glad to have traffic actually move along when the light turns green versus drivers realizing that traffic has moved along and they are still sitting there checking their phone.

[OTRA15]

Thanks. More states will probably join in IMO. Here are the details from the page linked in Post #1:

Electronics DUI (E-DUI) Ticket Cost
A Driving Under the Influence of Electronics ticket, an E-DUI, is the type of ticket drivers will receive if pulled over for using a hand-held electronic device while driving. The cost for receiving an E-DUI increases with each infraction. All violations will be available to your insurance company.
First E-DUI – $136
Second E-DUI (within 5 years) – $234

[Note -- the bold face font is in the original copy-and-paste and can't be removed IMO.]

[knunut]

Thank's for info. Great Idea.

[Glenritas]

Good Law ! It needs to be nationwide.

In California using a hand held phone is illegal while driving.
That said, adding a e-DUI on top of that might get ones attention.

Of course things like looking at the touch screen on the dash to change the h.v.a.c. or yelling at the dog or passenger or spilling you coffee or lighting a cig. or eating and dripping the sauce on yourself while reaching for a napkin .....

You get the idea it all takes away from you attention to operating a vehicle and amounts to distracted driving.

I wonder if the law covers that in subsections.

[xrvr]

I think those things are covered.

[xrvr]

As a person who uses a cell phone maybe once a week, I think they are the one greatest reason for the breakdown of society.. A good emergency tool, otherwise an unnecessary distraction in most cases.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by avionstream

I think those things are covered.

Quote from the same link in Post #1:

"You can also get a $99 ticket for other types of distractions such as grooming, smoking, eating, or reading if the activity interferes with safe driving, and you are pulled over for another traffic offense."

[kdickinson]

Great information - thank you.

[jcl]

Good information.

To add to it, if you drive north from Washington you will be in British Columbia.

No hand held devices for drivers have been permitted since 2010, and tougher penalties have been in place since June 2016. $368 first offence, and it climbs quickly. Two tickets in a year results in a review of your license, fines totalling over $1200, and a possible prohibition on driving for up to 6 months.

http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/safe...stractions.pdf

[sarchib]

Thank-you for posting. No apologies or disclaimers from me though. I unequivocally support laws like this. Actually, I really like the BC law but would take the WA state law in a heartbeat given that I have to drive in the minefield of distracted drivers in Texas (except San Antonio, Austin, and Midland; the latter have local laws..)

[TBRich]

Tucson recently instituted a total ban on all hand-held devices while driving. You can't even have it in your hand ... even while at a stop light. The fines are stiff, starting at $250 and going up from there. Unfortunately, it's a "secondary offense" so you can't be stopped for that alone...there has ago be another violation/reason. But lagging in traffic and irregular steering can be considered reckless driving ... Too bad it's not state-wide. AZ has a no texting law in place, though.

[AWCHIEF]

Not that we actually need anymore laws but someone has to look out for the idiots with no common sense.

[fwjumper]

I hate that it has become necessary, but we have read of so many horrific fatal accidents related to the topic, that it seems very reasonable. Thanks for the post.

[MelGoddard]

Ontario has had this law for something over a month now.
Don't know if it's doing any good; but time will tell.

[SilverHouseDreams]

As you continue south Oregon also implements a new law starting October 1 with a fine of up to $2000 and with multiple offenses it can result in jail time.

"The bill forbids talking, texting, movies, emailing, social media or even just holding your cellphone in your hand while driving."
http://www.ktvz.com/news/oregon-sena...-law/568145093

[McDave]

Originally Posted by avionstream

As a person who uses a cell phone maybe once a week, I think they are the one greatest reason for the breakdown of society.. A good emergency tool, otherwise an unnecessary distraction in most cases.

I always suspected that the one greatest reason for the breakdown of society was the power can opener. Any society that lacks the energy to open cans using a manual can opener is not destined long for survival.

[RVDreamer]

I have no issue with the intent of the law but I wonder how it is enforced?

Do they need to have it captured on video or photographic evidence?

If all they need is an officer saying that he saw you on the phone while driving it seems to me that you are giving the law enforcement agents and open opportunity to exploit the law and just use it as a cash cow to get money from tickets whenever it is needed.

[jcl]

In Vancouver it is simply observation, no photos required. There is often more than one officer there, so that may impact it. Not sure if the officers have body cameras.

And note that all phones have a log of use that has time stamps.

At a highway offramp and stoplight a few days ago, an officer stepped into the roadway and walked down the line of stopped vehicles, smiling and nodding at drivers. He stopped at the third car, knocked on the window, and wrote a ticket. Those of us next to him all applauded.

A few weeks back the city had an officer in a boom bucket lift next to the roadway, with a radio. Three officers a block further writing tickets.

Some drivers just don't get it.

[Ultradog]

Welcome to the nanny state.