Law Enforcement Watching for Texting While Driving Violators

Local law enforcement is keeping an extra eye on texting while driving this week.

They have been teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the national “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign to enforce texting and distracted driving laws.

Over 30,000 people died in distraction-affected crashes over the past decade. 

Research shows that younger drivers, particularly in the Millennials and Generation Z cohorts, are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while driving. Young drivers ages 16 to 24 have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007.

Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted driving. The AAA Foundation reported that while nearly 96% of drivers believed it was dangerous to read a text or email while driving, 4 out of 10 drivers admitted to doing exactly that. The actual rates are likely even higher.

Local law enforcement say if you absolutely need to text, pull over.. Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Or activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature until you arrive at your destination.