Recent news related to several accidents involving texting and driving have triggered a much-needed discussion on the dangers of engaging in a distracted behavior. Although texting and driving is banned across the Washington state, the local police troopers noticed little or no difference in the common driver’s behavior. According to official reports, the state ban hasn’t raised the awareness related to the dangers of distracted driving, especially to teen drivers.
The ban was set in motion on June 10, 2010 and since then the Spokane County Sherriff’s Office has issued a little over 400 tickets to drivers who were caught texting and driving. According to the officials from the local police, their officers issued 700 tickets to distracted drivers since the ban took place.
In Washington, the driver will have to come up with $124 if he or she receives a ticket for texting and driving. According to the authorities, this type of practice is a primary offense. The reports from the National Transportation Safety Board reveal that the agency is hoping that the ban will be a nationwide law, but Washington officers think such measure would turn out to be ineffective. Since the local ban is already taken seriously by the law enforcement patrols, a national ban wouldn’t make it any harder on distracted drivers according to certain troopers questioned for the several articles.
What many believe that will change people’s mindset is a real educational effort that will bring awareness to all young drivers who are prone to using their cell phones while behind the wheel.
As a Federal Way car accident lawyer I hope that more drivers will understand how dangerous texting while driving can be for them and for others sharing the road.
Whether you were involved in an accident caused by a distracted or reckless driver, contact a car accident lawyer Everett right away so a qualified attorney can assist you with your case.