Each year Oregon emphasizes the importance of transportation safety to its citizens, in April the emphasis is on distracted driving awareness. Oregon joins the nation in this recognition. On January 5, 2022, Kristopher W. Strickler, Director of the Oregon Transportation Commission issued Consent Item 08 – Transportation Safety Programs – Declaration for 2023 “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” proposing April 2023 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Oregon.

The updated Oregon distracted driving law; also referred to as the cell phone law, went into effect October 1, 2017. Oregon’s basic law, ORS 811.507, states it is illegal to drive while holding and using a mobile electronic device while driving (e.g. cell phone, tablet, GPS, laptop).

Over the past two years, the increase in traffic fatalities has erased over a decade of decline. Commissioner Strickler says, “It is important to emphasize the need for diligence and need for increased highway safety in Oregon.”

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is asking everyone to participate in the National Distracted Driving Enforcement Mobilization Campaign held April 3-10, 2023. The goal is to demonstrate a nationwide commitment to enforcing mobile electronic device laws in a fair and equitable way, and to reduce traffic crashes caused by distracted drivers, ultimately preventing deaths and injuries associated with cell phone use and texting while driving.

Distraction occurs when a driver diverts attention to something not related to driving that uses the driver's eyes, ears, hands or mind. Most distractions involve more than one of these types, both a sensory - eyes, ears or touch - and a mental component.

There are some exceptions, but for the most part, it’s best to just turn off your device when you are driving. 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.
• When parked safely, i.e., stopped in a designated parking spot. 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.
• Tow truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for CDL 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.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

As of January 1, 2018, courts have the ability to waive the fine for first-time offenders who attend an approved Distracted Driving Avoidance course. Offense penalties are now a Class B violation with a maximum fine of $1,000 for first offense. A second offense, or if the first offense contributes to a crash, is Class A violation with a maximum fine of $2,000. A third offense in ten years is a Class B misdemeanor and could result in a maximum fine of $2,500 fine and could be 6 months in jail. For a first offense that does not contribute to a crash, the court may suspend the fine if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance class, and shows proof to the court, within four months. Only the fine is suspended - the violation will still be recorded on the offender's driving record.

Marion County Officer looks for distracted drivers (Statesman Journal video) Commissioner Strickler issued Consent 08, which reads:

• WHEREAS: Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury hospitalization in Oregon; and
• WHEREAS: Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice that is preventable, yet is a national and statewide epidemic that can lead to crash fatalities for drivers and passengers, as well as, for people walking and rolling; and
• WHEREAS: In Oregon, between 2016-2020, there were 15,538 crashes involving a distracted driver resulting in 186 fatalities and 24,126 injuries; and
• WHEREAS: Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention from the primary task of driving; and
• WHEREAS: Studies show that using mobile electronic devices involves visual, auditory, manual, and cognitive distraction, and is among the worst of all driver distractions; and
• WHEREAS: Oregon law, as of 2018, prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices when operating a motor vehicle on public roadways; and
• WHEREAS: In order to reduce the number of crashes as well as improve Oregon’s driver safety culture, the Oregon Department of Transportation seeks to enhance the awareness, understanding, education and enforcement to stop distracted driving. NOW,
• THEREFORE: We, the Oregon Transportation Commission hereby declare April 2023 to be DISTRACTED DRIVING SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH in Oregon and encourage all Oregonians to joining in this observance.

--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-03 15:15:14

Last Update: 2023-04-03 15:42:12