Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Distracted Driving Education




 
The Richland Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is asking you to please put down the cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.  The Washington State Law RCW 46.61.667 Using a wireless communications device while driving and RCW 46.61.668 Texting while driving while cost you $124.00 fine.  We remind you that drivers with an Intermediate License cannot use a cell phone while driving even hands free.  

Parents please watch the attached video of a family dealing with the loss of a child due to texting while driving.  Please talk with your children about this video and the consequences texting could cause your family. 


What is distracted driving?
Distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing
Who are the most serious offenders?
Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 16% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20. But they are not alone. At any given moment during daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.

Sending or reading one text is pretty quick, unlike a phone conversation - wouldn't that be okay?
Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction simultaneously. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded. It's extraordinarily dangerous. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact Cpl. Scott Morrell at 509-942-7715.