Push For Tougher Distracted Driving Laws in Washington

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/