“Don’t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward!'

As part of its efforts to prevent distracted driving and enhance road safety, the Eugene Police Department Traffic Safety Unit reminds drivers to prioritize safe road practices and avoid distractions while driving with this clear message: Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.

Distracted driving, which involves cellphone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of driving, is risky driving behavior that endangers everyone on the road, from the distracted driver and other drivers to passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. According to NHTSA, 15,960 people died and around 1.8 million people were injured in distraction-affected crashes over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022. In 2022 alone, there were 3,308 people killed in traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, 8% of all traffic fatalities that year. An estimated additional 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022.

Life-threatening, distracted driving can be prevented! Drivers can prioritize safe driving by keeping their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their focus on driving, and by following these steps for a safe drive:

· If a text message is expected or needs to be sent and can't wait, the driver should pull over and park their car in a safe location before using the phone.

· Ask a passenger to be the "designated texter," and give them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

· Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

· Listen to your passengers: If they see you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down.

· Cell phone use is habit-forming. If struggling to not text and drive, drivers can activate their phone's "Do Not Disturb" feature, silence notifications, or put their phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until they arrive to their destination.

"Distracted Driving is a pervasive issue in this community, and we need the public's help in curbing this dangerous behavior. The EPD Traffic Safety Unit will be completing targeted and aggressive enforcement of Oregon's Distracted Driving laws for the month of April," said Sergeant Nate Pieske of the Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit. "Any time you are in operation of a vehicle, you are not allowed to use your phone. Checking email, updating or checking your social media, or using a myriad of other apps on your device is not allowed. Stopped at an intersection or seemingly driving alone on the highway, you never know where we might be. If we see this behavior, expect to be held accountable."

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous. Break the cycle. Remember: Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward. Help save lives and be an example to others by committing to that message.

Here are a few cases where the law does not apply:

• When using hands-free or built-in devices, if you are 18 years of age or older.
• Use of a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate the device.
• When parked safely, i.e., stopped in a designated parking spot. - However, it is NOT legal to use the device when stopped at a stop light, stop sign, in traffic, etc.
• While providing or summoning medical help and no one else is available to make the call.
• Police, fire, EMS providers in the scope of employment, (can include when in a personal vehicle if, for example, when responding to an emergency call).
• To truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for CDL holders.
• When using a two-way radio if you are a CB user, school bus driver, utility truck driver in scope of employment.
• If you are a HAM radio operator age 18 years or older.

Violations:

A first offense that doesn't contribute to a crash is a Class B violation and the Eugene fine is $300 or maximum fine of $1,000. A second offense, or if the first offense contributes to a crash, is Class A violation with a fine of $500 or maximum fine of $2,500. A third offense in 10 years is a Class B misdemeanor and could result in a $6,250 fine and up to one year in jail.

For a first offense that does not contribute to a crash, the court may suspend the fine* if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance class, and shows proof to the court, within four months. *Only the fine is suspended - the violation will still be recorded on the offender's driving record.