The Coos Bay Police Department has joined the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign reminding drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences, including fines, of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel. During the month of April, law enforcement nationwide will work together to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Cell phone use, texting, and other activities that don’t contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted driving. In 49 states, including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal. According to NHTSA, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, data collection limitations show that these figures are likely lower than the real figures. “Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” said Coos Bay Police Captain Lindahl. “It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences,” he said. Violating Oregon’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. ORS 811.507, Operating motor vehicle while using mobile electronic device, is a class B violation for first time offenders, class A violation for second time offenders within 10 years, and a class B misdemeanor for third time offenders within 10 years. Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits: • Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message. • Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive. • Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel. • Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications. • Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.