Driving is complicated enough without adding unnecessary distractions to it. When drivers are eating, putting on makeup, looking at dashboard electronics and talking or texting on their cell phone, they are distracted from driving and it is very dangerous.
In Bend Oregon as of 11/28/2010 there were 292 traffic fatalities and last year there were 295. As of January 1, 2010, Bend drivers cannot text while driving or talk into a handset, unless it’s necessary for their job. Except for answering or hanging up, drivers must talk into a hands free device, the fine for not obeying the law is $90 dollars. People under the age of 18 are not allowed to used cell phones at all while driving. The city of Bend has raised public awareness and continues to do so when it comes to distracted driving. They have actively used outdoor, radio and television advertisements that seem to be very effective.
There are things that happen during distracted driving that wouldn’t happen if people were paying attention to driving like they should. If a driver is distracted they could hit property and damage it, if it is severe enough the driver would have to report it to Oregon Department of Transportation. Since Bend Oregon is such a bike friendly city, drivers need to be on the lookout for bicyclists even more than other cities. Hitting a bicyclist while driving could have devastating consequences. More accurately hitting any person because the driver is too distracted is something so terrible, that drivers should do everything to avoid it.
Paying attention to your driving is something that should be a top priority to all drivers.