Bonney Lake Police Launch Distracted Driving Emphasis Patrols

BONNEY LAKE, WA — Distracted drivers beware! Bonney Lake police say they're coming for you.

All this month the police department says they'll have extra patrols out on traffic duty, trying to crack down on distracted drivers who are using their phones while out on the road.

The department says avoiding distracted driving is simple, just set your phone in airplane mode or do not disturb, and let yourself focus on the road ahead.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 90 percent of Washington drivers are able to avoid driving while distracted, but roads aren't as safe as they should be until we get that number to 100.

Under Washington state law, distracted driving means using your phone with your hands, even when stopped at a traffic signal. That means no responding to texts, watching videos or checking Twitter. Drivers can legally use their phones hands free or if they are in a parked vehicle.

Drivers who are caught driving and using their phones face a $136 ticket for a first offense. Repeat offenders face $234 fees for every subsequent ticket. Distracted driving citations will also be reported to the offender's insurance company.

>> Learn more about distracted driving laws in Washington.