Distracted Driving Enhanced Enforcement results from the detail

Bend Police Dept. - 05/31/18

Date & Time of Incident: May 31, 2018                                                                    

Type of Incident:  Distracted Driving Enforcement                                          

Location of Incident:  SE 9th/ SE Wilson and SW Simpson/SW Columbia

Narrative:

Updated release on May 31

Bend Police Officer conducted the Distracted Driving Enforcement today at the previously released locations. Officers made 73 stops, mostly for drivers using their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Here are some of the statistics from the detail:

• 36 drivers were issued citations for driving while operating their cell phone.
• 5 drivers were issued citations for other violations
• 11 drivers were issued warnings for cell phone usage.
• 5 drivers were issued warnings for other violations.

Nine officers were involved in the detail at some point during the three hour period.

###End of Release###

Original release

Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2018                                                                   

Date & Time of Incident: May 31, 2018

Type of Incident:  Distracted Driving Enforcement                                          

Location of Incident:  SE 9th/ SE Wilson  and SW Simpson/SW Columbia

Narrative:

On May 31 the Bend Police Department will be focusing on distracted driving enforcement at two specific areas in Bend. Officers from the Bend Police Department will be focusing efforts on SE 9th/SE Wilson and SW Simpson/SW Columbia from 1pm to 5pm.

The statistics are out there and show distracted driving plays a role in fatal car crashes all too often. The CDC shows distracted driving deaths are steadily increasing from 2010 (3092 deaths) to 2015 (3477 deaths). The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes tasks that distract drivers can range from visual tasks (looking away from the roadway), manual tasks (taking your hands off the steering wheel to do something) and cognitive tasks (not focusing on the roadway and thinking about something other than driving). All three of these tasks are used when looking at your cellphone.

In Oregon, driving while using a mobile communication device is illegal. According to www.drivehealthy.org, here are the rules of distracted driving with a cell phone in Oregon.

The distracted driving law, which started on Jan. 1, 2018, does not allow anyone to operate a mobile electronic device (cell phone, tablet, laptop) not permanently installed into a motor vehicle. These devices are capable of text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet or producing electronic mail.

This law pertains to a driver holding a mobile electroinic device in their hand, or uses it for any purpose.

Here are a few cases where the new 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 or a function.
• 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.
• To truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for Commercial Drivers License 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.

The first-time offense when driving while using a mobile communication device (811.507) is a Class B violation and $265. Starting in July of 2018, each additional offense after previous convictions within a ten-year period will enhance the penalties. A second conviction will move the citation to a Class A violation and a third conviction will become a criminal offense.