KPLU Local News
(2010-01-07)
SEATTLE
(KPLU) -
Hang up and drive. That's the message behind an effort to toughen Washington's law against using a cell phone while behind the wheel. It's hard to say exactly how many traffic accidents are caused by drivers distracted by their cell phones. But State Senator Tracey Eide points to research that shows talking on a hand-held cell phone impairs your driving as much as being intoxicated.
"Washington State is one of the states that has the toughest DUI laws in the nation," she says. "We don't tolerate drunk drivers. We should not tolerate individuals who are not paying attention to the road."
The Federal Way Democrat plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session to make cell phone driving a primary offense. Right now, texting or calling while driving is illegal in Washington. But it's classified as a secondary offense, so police can only ticket you if they've pulled you over for some other reason.
Washington State Patrol Captain Steve Burns says that's been frustrating
"A lot of times what officers are seeing is, they're seeing people make lane changes, or they're drifting or they're driving five miles an hour under the speed limit and what they're finding out is people are talking on their cell phones, they're not concentrating on driving."
Burns says having the ability to stop and ticket drivers for using hand-held cell phones would help make people more aware of the dangers of distracted driving.
| KPLU reporter Liam Moriarty took a demonstration ride with teen volunteer Brandi Eadie. On a driving course set up with traffic cones in the north parking lot at Qwest Field in Seattle, Brandi tried to drive while using her smart phone, with a helpful friend in the back seat working to distract her. The poor traffic cones never knew what hit them ... |
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