Police will increase enforcement of distracted driving as part of a national campaign called “U Drive U Text U Pay” which runs from today to April 15.
Police will increase enforcement of distracted driving as part of a national campaign called “U Drive U Text U Pay” which runs from today to April 15.
Distracted driving is a problem of national concern. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration finds the task of driving requires a driver’s full attention in focusing on the roadway and driving maneuvers.
Any distraction that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary tasks of maneuvering the vehicle and responding to critical events increases the driver’s risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash. A distraction is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, mind off the road or hands off the wheel.
On July 1, 2013, the State of Hawaii enacted a law prohibiting the use of cellphones and other mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle (with certain exceptions) and to specifically prohibit activities such as texting, instant messaging, gaming and emailing, which take a driver’s eyes off the road, mind off the road and hands off the wheel.