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No Hands: Washington's New Distracted Driving Law

SEATTLE, Wash. – Put down the phone at all times – simply put - that’s the message behind Washington State’s new distracted driving law which takes effect this Saturday, July 23.

The law extends beyond hands free calls to include no hand held cellphone use while stopped in traffic or at a red-light – period.

Officials call it ‘Driving Under the Influence of Electronics’ or E-DUI and if you’re caught by an officer you could get a ticket. With each infraction, the cost goes up and insurance companies will have access to this information - meaning your auto rates could change.

So, what’s ‘driving’ this new law? Officials blame distracted driving for a 32% increase in deadly accidents from 2014 to 2015 in Washington.

If you’re having a hard time putting the phone down, you’re urged to pass it over to a passenger, put it in the glove box, or simply turn it off before you drive.

More information about this change is available online, at Washington Target Zero, or by clicking here.

If you have questions relating to the new law and your car insurance, don’t hesitate to contact our team.