Extra patrols watching for Washington drivers using their phones behind the wheel
Attention Washington drivers: state law says it’s illegal to use your phone when you’re behind the wheel. Now through August 6, law enforcement agencies throughout King County plan to enforce that ban with extra patrols.
Washington's rules around cell phone use in cars apply even when a driver is completely stopped, such as that driver holding their phone at a red light, and completely missing the light turning green, making everybody else wait.
The extra patrols are part of the King County Target Zero Task Force’s efforts to minimize distracted driving. A first-time E-DUI ticket will cost $136, and a second will cost about a hundred bucks more.
Sara Wood, Target Zero Manager for South King County, has some advice on how to comply with the law.
"If you need your GPS, set up before you put your car in drive," Wood said. "Utilize your vehicle technology. We just want everyone to put the phones down and focus on the drive.”
In addition to Washington State Patrol's participation, nine police departments will take part in the effort, including Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, and Maple Valley. Wood says those jurisdictions were not chosen at random.
"Those areas are where we do see higher numbers of distracted driving, serious injury and fatal crashes," Wood said. "But also those are the agencies that could commit to do any extra enforcement because of the staffing constraints that are put on our other departments."
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Diana Opong
Reporter & Host
Diana Opong is a general assignment reporter at KUOW, committed to illuminating impactful stories throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her journalistic lens spans between environmental phenomena like invasive green crabs to transformative milestones in ballet. Rooted in curiosity, Diana's approach to reporting blends meticulous research with collaborative storytelling, ensuring her work resonates deeply with audiences. She has also showcased her expertise as a freelance host for NPR's Life Kit and as a spot news reporter for NPR News, consistently delivering insightful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
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