Police Going After Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a factor in 1 out of 4 crashes nationally.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Messages of “Park the Cell Phone, Before You Drive” and “Park the Phone, Don’t Text and Drive” will be seen during the month of April in Frederick County. Law enforcement will be aggressively enforcing distracted driving laws.

Lt. Wayne Wachsmuth, with Maryland State Police, said local police will join forces for several planned enforcement initiatives in Frederick County by using both marked and unmarked patrol vehicles for the enforcement.

“Young drivers in particular need to simply put the phones down, the message is your hands should be completely free,” Lt. Wachsmuth said.

Maryland Law only allows drivers to use their phones while driving in order to accept or decline incoming phone calls.

Distracted driving includes texting, using a cell phone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, including maps, using a navigation system, watching a video, and adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.

Officials say distracted driving is a factor in 1 out of 4 crashes nationally. Texting and phone use are leading causes of distracted driving.

The fine for distracted driving is $83 for the first offense, $140.00 for the second offense and $160.00 for the third or subsequent offense.

-Dianah Gibson