PULLMAN - Distracted Driving signs line popular roads leading to Pullman. I-90. State Route 26. State Highway 195. One particular sign near Colfax reads "Please don't text and drive. In memory of Samuel Thompson"
Thompson, a Lewis Clark College student died in a car accident while on his phone. The memorial sign stands near the place where the accident take place. Thompson passed at 20-years-old.
Officer Perry Tate from the Colfax Police Department fears calls caused by people on their phones. He understands how dangerous it can be to talk or text while driving.
"I have done so many traffic stops for cars that were texting, talking on the phone. They act like they're drunk, and that's what you expect until you see the phone," said Tate.
Along with the dangers associated with distracted driving, recent laws would make it very costly as a first offense will result in a $136 citation. The price increases on further offenses.
With 3,166 deaths in 2017 alone, simply putting the phone down could safe your life or the life of someone else on the road.
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