We’ve all probably done it even though we know it’s wrong: Yup, texting while driving.

“Distracted driving” is a rising factor in serious injuries and fatalities for pedestrians hit by vehicles. In 2015, Washington experienced a 19% increase in overall traffic fatalities; fatalities involving distracted driving increased 32%. Research indicates that cell phone use is more highly predictive of poor driving performance than any other potential distraction and increases crash risk by almost three times. A survey by AAA Foundation revealed that two-thirds of drivers supported restrictions on cell phone use while driving, even while 70 percent of these same drivers admit doing it.

Two bills in the legislature would send a strong signal that distracted driving is not OK. Here are some key points to tell your state representatives and state senators:

• I support increased enforcement and penalties for distracted driving, especially texting while driving. Please support distracted driving legislation (HB 1371 and SB 5289) currently introduced in the state house and senate.

• It’s wrong for a distracted driver to place other people at greater risk of serious injury or death for the sake of a text.

• It’s time to protect people on foot who are most vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries if hit by a vehicle with a distracted driver.

Here are easy ways to voice your support:
• Find your state representatives and state senators information
• ​Call hotline or submit written comments by clicking the “comment on this bill” tab on the bill’s webpage.
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Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
House Bill:  HB1371
Senate Bill:  SB5289