Distracted-driving initiative launches

Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) launched the “STASH and Avoid a CRASH” initiative last week to draw attention to the problem of distracted driving.

The initiative encourages people to keep their cell phones in the glove compartment while driving or to use a docking station attached to the dashboard if the phone is being used for GPS. Drivers can still accept or deny phone calls via their car’s Bluetooth if a phone is in the glove compartment.

“There are too many families who have been tragically affected by distracted driving accidents, simply because the driver was more interested in what was occurring on his or her phone rather than the vehicle’s surroundings,” Brown said. “By putting away our phones and changing our behaviors while driving our vehicles, we will remain solely focused as much as possible on the road ahead of us. I am taking the pledge to ‘STASH my phone so I don’t CRASH,’ and I encourage you to do the same.”

The initiative coincides with Brown re-introducing hands-free driving legislation. Under the bill, no one younger than 18 years old can use mobile technology while driving, and anyone older than 18 years old must use hands-free accessories.

Violators of that law would be fined $200, with $175 of that fine going to a Distracted Driver Fund to help educate young drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.