Klamath County joins national crackdown on distracted driving during April safety campaign

Klamath County, Oregon – The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is actively supporting the nationwide “Put the Phone Away or Pay” enforcement program in a coordinated effort to fight the detrimental issue associated with distracted driving. This program emphasizes the essential the need to maintain complete focus on driving free of distractions in line with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Distracted driving includes several different activities that could take a driver’s focus off the road. These include not only the common problem of texting or talking on the phone but additional activities including eating, drinking, and changing the navigation or entertainment systems.

But texting is especially dangerous since it significantly decreases the driver’s visual, physical, and cognitive focus on driving. Emphasizing the gravity of this problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points out that reading or sending a text message while driving at 55 miles per hour is comparable to crossing the length of a football field blindfolded.

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Distracted driving has severe and perhaps deadly effects. NHTSA data from 2022 shows distracted driving caused 3,308 deaths and an estimated 289,310 injuries. Given the difficulties involved in gathering statistics on traffic accidents including distracted behaviors, these numbers probably underestimate the real ones.

Oregon’s fines for distracted driving are high and rise with each offense. A first-time offender faces a Class B violation, which could lead to a fine as high as $2,000, particularly if the distraction contributes to a crash. A second violation is considered a Class A violation, carrying a presumptive fine of $435, which can also escalate to $2,000 under severe circumstances. Particularly egregious or repeated offenses may escalate to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 and possibly up to six months in jail.

Drivers in Klamath County may see more law enforcement activity throughout April. On increased alert, deputies are prepared to stop and punish anyone caught texting or participating in other driving distractions. This increased policing seeks to support the idea that safe driving calls for total focus.

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Resources on the NHTSA’s website at www.nhtsa.gov are accessible for people wanting additional knowledge on the risks of distracted driving and advice on how to remain safe. Drivers are urged by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office to understand the significant dangers of distracted driving and to follow closely traffic regulations meant to safeguard all road users.