In Oregon over the past five years, 137 people lost their lives in crashes involving a distracted driver, and more than 20,992 were injured. Perhaps the saddest part of these statistics, besides there being real people behind them, is that these are preventable crashes.

What is distracted driving?  Distraction occurs when a driver voluntarily diverts attention to something not related to driving that uses the driver's eyes, ears, or hands. There are four types of driver distraction:

• Visual -- looking at something other than the road

• Auditory -- hearing something not related to driving

• Manual -- manipulating something other than the wheel

• Cognitive -- thinking about something other than driving Most distractions involve more than one of these types, with both a sensory -- eyes, ears, or touch -- and a mental component.
 
 In Oregon, distracted driving costs include not only the potential loss of life or injury, but can hurt the pocketbook as well:

• First offense, not contributing to a crash: Class B violation; Fine up to $1,000.
• Second offense – or first offense if it contributed to a crash: Class A violation; Fine up to $2,000.
• Third offense in ten years: Class B misdemeanor; Fine up to $2,500; Could be up to six months in jail.

The West Linn Police Department will be working overtime patrols to specifically stop drivers displaying distracted driving behaviors. Please drive safely. For all of us.