The Weiser Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are joining other state highway safety offices and law enforcement agencies across the country to keep our communities safe with engaged driving. This is part of a nationwide effort called Connect to Disconnect.
From April 19 – 30, more than 60 law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho will work with Office of Highway Safety to dedicate patrols to enforcing Idaho’s new hands-free law.
“April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and we urge Idahoans to join us by agreeing to disconnect from your phone, put it away while you are behind the wheel, and drive engaged,” said Lieutenant Troy Krahn.
According to OHS data, between 2016 and 2020 there were more than 23,000 distracted driving crashes in Idaho killing 208 people. Nationally, distracted driving was a factor in nine percent of all traffic fatalities in 2019 – in Idaho, it was 18 percent.
“Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. No text or post is worth ruining someone’s day-or taking a life. Inattentive driving is illegal and dangerous” Chief Deputy Johnston said.
If you need to use your phone’s GPS, enter the address in before you start driving. Check out Bluetooth options for your car so you can talk hands-free, and if you have to read or send a text, pull over and park the car. Choose to leave the distractions behind, stay focused on the road, and drive engaged so you can help save lives.”
