Washington lawmakers are considering measures that would increase the penalties for distracted driving.
Lawmakers heard testimony last week from people who want to make it illegal to hold any hand-held device while driving, and ensure offenders receive harsher penalties.
Measures in the House and the Senate would ban the use of any hand-held devices while driving including phones, tablets, and other electronic devices that could impair a person’s attention while on the road. The proposal would also double the fine, which is currently 136 dollars if caught texting or holding a phone to the ear while driving.
House Bill 1371 would expand the current law so drivers would not be allowed to hold any personal electronic device with their hands while driving, with the exception of amateur radios and to conduct “minimal use of a finger” to activate programs like a navigation system or Siri on the iPhone. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 30 percent of deadly traffic accidents in the state were caused by distracted driving last year, and the number of traffic deaths has continued to rise since 2014.
Under House Bill 1631, a person would break the law if he or she engages in any activity that could interfere with safely operating their motor vehicle such as eating, drinking coffee, or putting on makeup. It would also double the penalty for any moving violation committed by a driver who drives while distracted. (AP)
