Distracted Driving is a huge problem nationwide, with thousands of deaths attributed to distractions each year. In Snohomish County in 2015, there were 2049 reported crashes involving distracted drivers. There were 5 fatalities and 28 serious injury crashes attributed to distracted driving. This number is sharply increasing as cell phones and other devices become a part of mainstream culture. Distracted driving crashes are as deadly as DUI crashes - the result is nearly the same. Glancing away from the road to read a text takes an average of 5 seconds. At freeway speeds, you travel the length of a football field in that few seconds. Studies show the distraction actually lasts longer than those initial few seconds. Historically, new drivers are taught 2-3 car length following distance is safe. In these conditions, that is not nearly enough time to stop and the results are deadly.
Today, the Seattle Times published a comprehensive article on where lawmakers in our state want to take distracted driving laws including stories from victims of these crashes.
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/citing-rise-in-distracted-driving-deaths-washington-lawmakers-may-toughen-smartphone-laws/
Today, the Seattle Times published a comprehensive article on where lawmakers in our state want to take distracted driving laws including stories from victims of these crashes.
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/citing-rise-in-distracted-driving-deaths-washington-lawmakers-may-toughen-smartphone-laws/