April is Distracted Driving Prevention Month
Over 150 law enforcement agencies throughout Washington State participate on this educational campaign. Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) disseminates distracted driving information throughout the state using media and social media channels to educate drivers about the impacts of driving distracted.
In Washington:
- 30% of crash fatalities are due to distracted driving.
- 23% of serious crashes in Washington are due to distracted driving.
- 3X Drivers are 3 times more likely to be in a crash when talking on a phone.
- 70% of observed distracted drivers were using their cell phones.
Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road.
In the state of Washington, it is against the law to hold your cell phone while you are driving.
You CAN use your cell phone if you are:
- Hands-free and can start use by a single touch or swipe of your finger
- Parked or out-of-the-flow of traffic
- Contacting emergency services
Related Washington RCWs (laws):
RCW 46.61.672 Using a personal electronic device while driving.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.672
RCW 46.61.673 Dangerously distracted driving.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.673
RCW 46.20.055(3)b Instruction permit.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.20.055
RCW 46.20.075(4) Intermediate driver license holders.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.20.075