Davis Law Group, P.S.

Talking or Texting while Driving to Become Primary Offense

Kiro News is reporting that starting June 10, talking on a cell phone without a mobile device or texting is becoming a primary offense in the State of Washington.

Currently, talking and texting are considered secondary offenses, meaning that an officer cannot legally pull anyone over for talking or texting but can fine a driver if they are pulled over for a primary offense, such as speeding.

On June 10th, if you are pulled over for talking or texting, the result could be a fine of $124. However, the infraction would not be a part of the driver's driving record and would not affect car insurance costs.

Many families are in support of this new measure, none more so than the family of Heather Lerch. Heather was a honors graduate of Tumwater High School when she lost control of her car as a result of texting while driving. She ran into a guard rail and plunged down a ravine.

"I think about her every day. Never stop thinking about her. Because it shouldn't have happened" said Heather's father Dan Lerch.

The Lerch family's hope, and many others who have lost loved ones from car accidents related to talking or texting while driving, is to hopefully save lives. With this new measure in place, they and the State leaders believe they can do just that.