Don C. Brunell: Distractive Driving Goes Beyond the Law

While state lawmakers work to bridge major differences in the budget, they agreed our distractive driving laws need stiffening.

Companion bills sponsored by Sen. Ann Rivers (R-LaCenter) and Rep. Jessyn Farrell (D-Seattle) cleared the legislature. They update current statute which allows law enforcement officers to stop motorists when they see them driving while using hand-held devices.

The new legislation bans using hand-held cellphone and electronic tablets even while waiting for a stoplight to change. The bill takes effect in 2019. The first ticket would be $135 and increase to $235 for subs...