A POLICE communications manager says drivers could be fined $2,500 and spend six months in prison for using their phones behind the wheel.
She says using your phone as a GPS when visiting an unfamiliar city is never an excuse.
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Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend, Oregon police department, spoke with The US Sun in an exclusive interview discussing the importance of remaining vigilant while driving.
In 2023, 713 fines were issued for distracted driving, in addition to 486 citations and 227 warnings.
The number is quite high for a very remote town situated in the Cascade mountain range.
Miller said the number of tickets for distracted driving almost reflects another dangerous offense.
More About Distracted Driving
“The number of distracted driving tickets almost matches the number of DUIs issued,” Miller said by phone.
“It shows that both are big problems in our community.”
Bend is a popular vacation destination, especially in the spring, summer and winter, with many skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and backpacking opportunities.
However, Miller noted that visitors are cited as much as tourists.
“People visiting our community may have difficulty finding their way around town and resort to using their phone for GPS, and regardless of whether this is true or not, it is not a valid excuse for using your phone while driving,” she said.
“Both locals and visitors receive fines fairly equally, which shows that no one is immune to the temptation of using their phone while driving.”
Miller said the law in Oregon, or ORS 811.507was updated in 2023 to implement stricter penalties for those caught using their phone while driving.
Oregon law says a first offense is a Class B traffic violation and will result in a $265 fine.
If caught for the second time in 10 years, the second offense becomes a Class A violation and the fine jumps to $440.
Any subsequent offense after the second citation could mean license suspension, six months in jail, and a whopping $2,500 fine.
There is no excuse for that. Simply don’t use your phone while driving. I’ve read research saying it’s similar to drunk driving.
Sheila Miller, Communications Manager
“So three convictions in 10 years is pretty serious,” Miller said.
“It’s just not worth the risk.”
She noted that getting into an accident by being distracted by a phone makes the first offense a Class A violation, and the fine is $440.
When asked if age played a role in the number of citations issued in Bend, Miller said all generations are cited fairly equally.
“I think it’s a fallacy that only young people use smartphones irresponsibly,” she continued.
“With everyone having a phone now, it’s irrational to think that only young people use their phones more behind the wheel than older people. Anyone, at any age, can be tempted by the phone.”
What defines ‘distracted driving’?
Distracted driving claims lives every year across the country and is 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to phone use behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, email, browse or post on social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as disruptive — and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Applying makeup to rear view mirrors
- Eating and drinking, as you need to take one or both hands off the steering wheel
- Reaching into the backseat to retrieve personal items
- Rummaging through a bag, glove compartment, or center console
Fortunately, distracted driving can be avoided. Here are some proven tactics for staying focused:
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode” as it will temporarily pause notifications but will send a call or text if it is urgent
- If distractions are difficult to avoid, place your phone in a safe place, such as a purse, glove compartment, center console, or backseat
- If a text or call needs to be sent or made, stop and park
- Give your phone to a passenger, where applicable, to text or make a call
- Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps convey safe behaviors
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Miller’s tips on how to avoid using your phone while driving were pretty straightforward, especially with the notion that there’s no good excuse.
“We hear so many excuses for people to stop – GPS, quick call to work, you name it,” she said.
“Even if you’re in a rental car, take 10 minutes to learn how to navigate, ask a passenger to use it, leave it in the back seat to limit temptation, or stop safely.
“There’s no excuse for this. Just don’t use your phone while driving. I’ve read research saying it’s similar to drunk driving.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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