Extra law enforcement patrols will be watching for cell phone use starting Friday

IDAHO FALLS — Troopers and local law enforcement will have extra patrols starting Friday, April 14, according to a news release from the Idaho State Police.

Unmarked police vehicles will be driving the highways and interstates, alerting marked units about dangerous drivers so they can be pulled over and cited. It’s a statewide effort and a nationwide push to go out and target violations related to distracted driving, according to Capt. Chris Weadick of the Idaho State Police District 6 in Idaho Falls.

According to the news release, distracted driving is when a driver focuses on any activity other than driving.

Sgt. Blake Higley of the Idaho State Police told EastIdahoNews.com that “anything from messing with kids in back seat, putting makeup on or eating and drinking” can distract a driver enough to cause an accident.

It seems like a simple concept, but Idaho drivers struggle with it. Idaho Transportation Department statistics indicate that in 2021, Idaho had 5,003 distracted driving crashes, including 30 fatalities and 284 serious injuries. Nationally, distracted driving was a factor in 9 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2019 — in Idaho, it was 16 percent.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting and cell phone use are the most frequently cited and dangerous distractions on America’s highways. Idaho is no exception.

“A lot of people understand that texting is bad, but even having the phone in your hand is illegal,” Higley said. People who still think it’s safe to be on cell phones or mobile devices while driving are a huge issue, he said.

Idaho is a “hands-free” state. ISC 49-1401A was passed in 2021. It requires all electronic devices to be in hands-free mode while driving, including when a driver is stopped at a red light or stop sign. With few exceptions, such as emergencies or when the vehicle is parked off the roadway, it is illegal to hold any electronic device while operating a vehicle.

RELATED | Hands-free only: Idaho’s new law on cellphone use while driving takes effect July 1

“We are still seeing a significant number of motorist who think the law isn’t important,” he said. “Now that we’re two years into this. … Ignorance is no excuse.”

Higley spearheaded the distracted driving emphasis, which is funded by a federal grant. Law enforcement entities can use the funds as they see fit, according to Weadick.

Distracted driving was on the top of Higley’s list for a specific reason.

“U.S. Highway 20 can be treacherous, especially with the speeds and amount of traffic increasing the past few years,” Higley said .

The stretch of U.S.-20 from Rexburg to Idaho Falls has become a bit of a pet project for him. He said he has “taken it on as my own area.”

“We want to really refocus priorities and make U.S. 20 safer,” he said.

Althoughy police are “encouraged by the voluntary compliance we see out here,” Higley said the numbers tell state law enforcement agencies that it’s time to focus on the problem.

“We want to change driving behavior,” Weadick said. “This has never been an exercise in citations.”

Weadick said citations would be reserved for the most egregious offenders.

If you are in the driver’s seat, take these steps to change that habit:

• Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before you start driving
• Be a good role model for young drivers, set a good example
• Talk with your teens about responsible driving
• Always use Bluetooth or other hands-free devices
• Remain focused

“Being a good driver means you’re not distracted,” Higley said. “It means you are a defensive driver; you’re aware of the weather, other cars and road conditions” Higley said.

If you are a passenger, you can offer to read the GPS, answer calls and texts, and call out the driver if they do try to use their phone.

“I think that as long as I’ve been doing this, the theme of things happen so much faster than we realize,” Higley said. “It really is a game of seconds and inches. Even a momentary distraction can change your life or someone else’s life forever.”