By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Police Department is becoming “more proactive” when it comes to distracted drivers, according to Chief Don Scheibler.
Scheibler quoted statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) of what he called the “real consequences” of distracted driving.
“In 2014, over 3,100 people were killed in distracted driving accidents and over 440,000 were injured,” Scheibler reported, “and teenage drivers had more fatality accidents caused by distracted driving than any other age group.”
During the last three years, 417 people have been cited for inattentive driving in the city of Hays, according to Scheibler. “They were distracted and failed to give their full attention to their driving and as a result, an accident occurred.”
Distracted driving comes in many different forms, not just relatively new electronics such as smart phones, cell phones, portable computers or video players. The more conventional distractions to driving include talking with passengers, eating, and even applying makeup.
The biggest problem is caused by smart phones.
“Texting, which is apparently the preferred method of communication for our teenagers, is the most dangerous of all distractions while driving,” Scheibler noted. “Texting causes visual, manual and cognitive distraction of the driver. It requires you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the (steering) wheel, and your mind off your driving.”
The city of Hays and the state have laws prohibiting all drivers from texting while operating a vehicle. Drivers younger than 17 are completely prohibited from use of wireless communication devices except to report illegal activity or to summons medical or emergency help.
The fine for texting while driving in Hays is $50 plus $75 court costs. Scheibler said Hays police have issued 61 tickets in the past three years for texting while driving.
In an effort to make Hays streets safer, HPD has joined the One Text Or Call Could Wreck It All campaign by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The message focuses on how distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and to everyone else on the road.
“Our plan for spreading the message is two-fold,” Scheibler said. “We plan to continue the education of our drivers and the dangers of distracted driving and we’ll use social media, presentations to the public and other events.
“The second half of our plan won’t be quite so popular.
“It’s going to include the Hays Police Department being more proactive in enforcement of our traffic laws related to distracted driving. We will be writing tickets to those who choose to violate the law. We know that working with the community, we can help make the roads safer for everyone.”
Scheibler also outlined steps to avoid distracted driving.
“Remember this: focus on driving, refrain from eating, drinking, reading, grooming, smoking or other activities that take your mind off the road. Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode before you get in your car and then stow it away so it’s out of your reach.
“Don’t ever text and drive, surf the internet or read your email while driving. It’s dangerous and it’s against the law.”