Using a phone while driving poses significant dangers that greatly increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. When drivers engage with their phones—whether texting, calling, browsing, or using apps—their attention is diverted from the road, impairing their ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions.
One of the primary dangers is distracted driving, which includes visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Texting or typing requires drivers to take their eyes off the road (visual distraction) and hands off the wheel (manual distraction), while even hands-free conversations can divert mental focus (cognitive distraction). Research shows that talking on a phone, even hands-free, reduces brain activity related to driving by up to 37%, impairing judgment and reaction times.
Statistics highlight the severity of this issue: distracted driving contributes to thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries annually in the U.S. For example, more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers recently, with cell phone use being a leading factor. Nationally, cell phone use while driving leads to approximately 1.6 million crashes each year.
The consequences extend beyond immediate collisions. Drivers on their phones are slower to notice hazards, less able to maintain lane position, and more likely to run red lights or stop signs. These behaviors dramatically increase the likelihood of serious crashes.
Because of these dangers, many states have enacted laws banning texting and handheld phone use while driving. The safest choice is to avoid all phone use behind the wheel to protect yourself and others on the road.
New Distracted Driving Law in Washington
In recent years, Washington State has taken steps to combat distracted driving, a leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities. One of the most impactful measures is the introduction of a new distracted driving law that makes it illegal to hold a phone or any personal electronic device while driving. This legislation aims to reduce the dangerous practice of using handheld devices behind the wheel, which diverts drivers’ attention and increases the risk of crashes.
Overview of the New Law
The law prohibits drivers from holding a phone or other electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. This means that drivers can’t physically hold their phones to make calls, send texts, scroll through apps, or use GPS functions unless the device is mounted securely on the dashboard, windshield, or center console. The law applies whether the vehicle is moving or temporarily stopped in traffic or at an intersection.
The legislation is part of Washington’s efforts to align with national safety recommendations and reduce distracted driving incidents. It builds on previous laws that banned texting while driving and limited handheld phone use, but goes further by completely banning any handheld use of personal electronic devices.
Key Provisions and Exceptions
Under the new law, drivers may only use their phones if the device is mounted and can be operated hands-free. Voice commands and Bluetooth technology are encouraged as safer alternatives. Drivers are still allowed to make emergency calls without restriction.
Certain exceptions exist, such as for law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and drivers using devices for navigation while the phone is securely mounted. However, the general rule is clear: holding a phone while driving is illegal and subject to penalties.
Penalties for Violations
Violating the handheld phone ban carries a fine of $124 for a first offense. That doesn’t seem like much, but repeat offenses can lead to increased fines and potential points on the driver’s record, depending on local enforcement policies. Importantly, the law empowers police officers to pull over drivers solely for holding a phone, which was not always the case under earlier distracted driving regulations.
The increased enforcement capability aims to deter drivers from engaging in risky phone use and promote safer driving habits statewide.
Why This Law Matters
Distracted driving is a major safety hazard. Studies have shown that using a handheld phone while driving significantly impairs reaction time, situational awareness, and vehicle control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting or dialing while driving increases the risk of a crash by up to 23 times.
Washington’s new law addresses these risks by removing the option to hold a phone, thereby encouraging hands-free use only. This legal framework supports public safety campaigns and educational efforts aimed at changing driver behavior.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, call Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group serving Everett.
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