KPD issues more citations as they witness rise in people driving distracted
Diving while using a cell phone is illegal in the state of Washington.
Driving while using a cell phone is illegal in the state of Washington.
A law here in Washington is over three years old , however, Kennewick police say it is still an issue for drivers.
"I just don't think that they think about it, they don't think number one that they won't get caught," said Lt. Aaron Clem, KPD.
They sure will.
On Friday, plain clothed officers issued 165 citations to distracted drivers on their cell phones at the intersection of Canal and Edison in Kennewick.
"The eighty plus thousand people we have in Kennewick, or just the people visiting Kennewick...Over a full day or twenty-four hours. How many violations are happening out there and each one of those violations could potentially be a collision that causes seriously bodily harm or death to another motorist," said Clem.
Texting while driving is an issue all around Kennewick and can lead to more than just a citation.
A driver caught using their cell phone faces a charge of $139 for the first offense. The charge is higher for a second offense.
"People are pulling up to these intersections like Clearwater and 395 and as soon as they stop, they immediately get on their phone and are texting or scrolling through social media or talking. We want to remind everyone it is illegal. You can receive a citation for that and these citations are reported to your insurance company now," said Trooper Thorson, Washington State Patrol.
Police say it is not just teens who are driving while intexticated.
"It runs the spectrum of driving, so anybody from sixteen to into older adults. Everybody seems to want to use their phone while driving," said Clem.
Opening a text or answering the phone while driving for a moment might not seem like an issue for some, but Troopers say otherwise.
"Driving distracted is just as bad as driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. It's just as bad and we're seeing more collisions because of it, including fatality collisions as well," said Thorson.
Police say to choose your life, not your phone, when behind the wheel.
"Leave your text messages and your phone calls when you're done driving so you can be aware of what's happening around you. It could potentially save your life or someone else," said Clem.
Law enforcement officers say that one in four collisions occur due to distracting driving and the risk is even greater during the winter time when roads are slippery.
