LEWISTON, ID – Idaho State Police and Lewiston Police Department personnel are participating in a statewide crackdown on distracted driving through April 19th. Those agencies, among others throughout the state, have increased patrols looking for distracted drivers.
Idaho Transportation Department statistics indicate that in 2021, Idaho had 5,003 distracted driving crashes, including 30 fatalities and 284 serious injuries. The National Safety Council found that the percentage of drivers manipulating hand-held electronic devices increased by 127% from 2012 to 2021.
“Distraction is defined by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention away from the task of driving to focus on another activity instead. These distractions can be electronic distractions, such as navigation systems and cell phones, or more conventional distractions, such as interacting with passengers and eating,” LPD says in a press release.
These distracting tasks can affect drivers in different ways and are categorized into the following three types:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road;
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel; and
- Cognitive – taking your mind off the road.
The department reminds drivers that using a mobile device while driving is illegal in the State of Idaho including when stopped at a red light.
LPD says the first offense fine is over $130; the second offense is $256; and the third offense is $356.
