Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Delaware law enforcement targeting distracted driving this month

Delaware Public Media

Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety will spend most of March cracking down on motorists using cell phones while navigating First State roads.

 

 

Office of Highway Safety Director Jana Simpler said data reveals there are more crashes related to phone use in March than any other month. Between 2012 to 2016 there were 84 distracted driving crashes blamed on phone use in March.

 

“This is a primary offense,” Simpler said. “It’s a civil violation, but you can be pulled over simply for utilizing your cell phone in a way that violates the state’s cell phone law.”

 

The concern, Simpler said, is more Delawareans are on their phones in the car for a variety of reasons.

 

“It’s not just texting that we’re encouraging folks to put their phone down, it’s reminding that all social media should wait until they get home,” Simpler said.

 

Delawareans caught using their phones without a hands-free device while driving could be cited $100 plus court fees on first offense. Additional offenses could cost up to $300. 

 

Enforcement will be patrolling the roads scanning for Delawareans texting while driving 

from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. now through March 19.

Related Content