DISTRACTED DRIVING- New Law to Take Affect

On July 23, a new state law will take affect that bans using a hand-held cell phone while you are driving. The ban also includes use while stopped at traffic or at a traffic light, typing messages or accessing the internet or information on the phone and watching videos or using cameras.

 You can use a hand-held device in your car in the following situations,

·         With a hands-free device such as Bluetooth.

·         You can operate the device with a single touch or swipe without holding it.

·         Parked or out-of-the-flow of traffic.

·         Starting your GPS or music before you start driving.

·         Contacting emergency services.

Violators can be given a ticket that costs $136 for the first offense and $234 for a second offense (within 5 years).

Washington Traffic Safety Commission:

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

Here are some ideas about devices that might make phone use in your car safer,

The Seattle Times:

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/three-devices-that-make-it-safer-to-use-your-phone-while-driving/