Distracted Driving Is Dangerous Driving

The Hands Free Law passed six months ago, but distracted driving is still an issue.

Highway Patrol District Captain Robert (R.C.) Christian said it’s a factor the department faces every day.

“We still see a lot of people using their phones, I mean it’s a habit that’s definitely hard to break. But with that creates that atmosphere of distracted driving, like there’s not enough distractions [already],” Christian said.

According to the Highway Safety Office, the Hands Free Law prohibits holding a cell phone or texting while driving.

When it’s time to drive, concentrate on driving. Christian said there’s no text message worth getting into a crash over.

“It’s a big factor that’s definitely a major contributing factor to some of the crashes that we’re getting,” Christian said. “I would predict at least 20 to 25 percent if not a little bit more, and that’s just hitting you with raw data off the top of my head. ”

Last year at least 6 to 8 percent of fatality crashes were distracted driving related, Christian said.