Reporter:  Marissa Bradshaw

Everyday, eleven teens die as a result of texting and driving.  1 out 4 car crashes in the US are texting related. From 2011 to 2015, there were 110 crashes resulting in injuries among teenage drivers in Oregon.

In 2017, Oregon adopted the distracted driving law. This law prohibits the use of phones, tablets and gps while driving. Drivers are only allowed to use their phones while completely stopped and pulled over on the side of the road. Violations of this law could cost drivers a maximum fine of $1000.

 Washington state has recently adopted ‘E-DUI’  (Driving under the influence of electronics) E-DUI places a stricter action against texting while driving. Drivers are fined, if  officers see the use of phones. Distracting driving can raise insurance rates and be placed on the driver’s record.   This leaves Oregonians wondering if the same law should be applied in Oregon.

Jacob Rogers, a senior at Rex Putnam shared his thoughts on texting and driving. Rogers believes there are major risks to texting. He states, “Drivers are fully aware that they are texting and put others in risks.” Texting is a cognitive distraction that pulls drivers attention from the road.

Rogers thinks Oregon should create an E-DUI just like Washington did. “Placing this law into effect might cause less drivers to check their phones.”

Irene Hudson, a student at Rex Putnam states, “It’s hard habit to break. It’s hard not to look at my phone at a red light.” Hudson explains she texts and drives and doesn’t see the problem with it.

Starting January 1st 2018 courts can send first time offenders to approved Distracted Driving Avoidance course. First time offenders suspend the fine if they complete the class. ODOT created the Drive Healthy campaign and it promotes; “Hands on the wheel mind on the road.”