Distracted driving emphasis patrols continuing through April 8
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 7 months AGO
OLYMPIA — Law enforcement agencies across the state will be conducting emphasis patrols focusing on distracted driving through April 8, according to a press release from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
“The patrols are a reminder that distracted driving is a serious threat to community safety because it increases the risk of a serious crash,” the press release said. “The enforcement period is part of ongoing efforts to encourage focused driving and marks the beginning of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.”
The commission conducts a traffic safety survey each year, and in 2023 about 28% of drivers said they have been typing on their phones, or otherwise using them while driving. Washington does have laws against holding cell phones or watching videos while driving, stopped in traffic or at a light. Hands-free use is limited to a single-touch device.
Janine Koffel, WTSC distracted driving program manager, said drivers need to set some rules and stick to them.
“One of the things that stood out from our survey was that over 21% of families said they do not have a rule about using cell phones while driving,” Koffel said.
Drivers should be aware of the hazards, she said.
“Set guidelines for cell phone use in the car and make sure you help each other honor those rules while you’re on the road,” she said.
The ticket for a first offense of distracted driving is $136. A second infraction within five years would cost the driver $234, the press release said.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.