Enforcement of Blaine County cell phone ban begins

If you are driving through Blaine County make sure to leave your cell phone in your pocket or purse. The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office is now enforcing the county’s new cell phone ban.

Idaho State Law already prohibits texting while driving, but Blaine County’s ordinance is a little broader. Passed in November by the Blaine County Board of Commissioners, the ordinance makes the use of a hand-held electronic mobile device while driving an infraction and subject to a $100 fine.

The new ordinance states that “the use of cell phones or hand-held mobile devices while driving a motor vehicle can distract the driver and create hazards for the driver, other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. This includes: talking, listening, typing, sending, or receiving electronic messages, performing commands or prompts, or any other type of activity where a hand-held mobile device is being used while driving. The purpose of the ordinance is “to promote public health, safety and welfare.” Simply put, don’t have the device in your hands while driving. If you really have to make a call while driving, it should be hands-free only.

Blaine County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Steve Harkins pointed out, “Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. In 2014 alone, 3,179 people were killed in distracted driving crashes. Clearly, there is no phone call, text, or email worth your life or the lives of others.” Many times the impulse to look or respond to messages is such a habit, that drivers don’t take the time to consider the consequences. “It’s an accident waiting to happen,” said Harkins and “we’ve seen far too many accidents where distracted driving was the most likely cause. The public’s safety is our top priority.”

Blaine County Deputies have recently begun enforcement of the cell phone ordinance. They will be stopping, educating and ticketing if necessary. It is the mission of the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office to reduce the number of distracted driving related incidents and to educate ours drivers of its dangers, emphasized Harkins. “Drivers are asked to put down your phone and focus on driving for everyone’s safety.” Please remind yourself, family, and friends, to “Just drive–it can wait”!