Bend police plan 2 distracted driving enforcement operations

The Bend Police Department will be focusing on distracted driving enforcement at two specific locations in Bend Wednesday afternoon. Officers will be focusing efforts on Southeast Ninth Street and Wilson Avenue, and at Southwest Simpson Avenue and Columbia Street from 1-5 p.m.

The statistics are out there and show distracted driving plays a role in fatal car crashes all too often, Lt. Clint Burleigh said.

The CDC shows distracted driving deaths are steadily increasing from 2010 (3092 deaths) to 2015 (3477 deaths). The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration describes tasks that distract drivers can range from visual tasks (looking away from the roadway), manual tasks (taking your hands off the steering wheel to do something) and cognitive tasks (not focusing on the roadway and thinking about something other than driving). All three of these tasks are used when looking at your cellphone.

In Oregon, driving while using a mobile communication device is illegal. According to www.drivehealthy.org, here are the rules of distracted driving with a cell phone in Oregon.

The expanded distracted driving law, which started on Jan. 1, does not allow anyone to operate a mobile electronic device (cell phone, tablet, laptop) not permanently installed into a motor vehicle. These devices are capable of text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet or producing electronic mail.

This law pertains to a driver holding a mobile electronic device in their hand, or who uses it for any purpose.

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 or a function. When parked safely, i.e., stopped in a designated parking spot. However, 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. To truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for Commercial Drivers License 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.

The first-time offense when driving while using a mobile communication device (811.507) is a Class B violation and $265. Starting in July, each additional offense after previous convictions within a 10-year period will enhance the penalties. A second conviction will move the citation to a Class A violation and a third conviction will become a criminal offense.