We all know it’s bad to text and drive, and in Idaho it’s illegal. But what about when you want to skip to a good song on Spotify, or you’re checking your Twitter notifications while driving? Blaine County is making it clear: Don’t do it or you’ll get a ticket. Drivers who are parked in a designated spot or who are stopped and not holding up traffic are exempt.
The county created the policy in 2016 but hadn't ticketed drivers until now. It's not the only law like it in the state. The cities of Sandpoint, Hailey and Ketchum have all passed similar ordinances, with the goal of having fewer distracted driving accidents. According to the Twin Falls Times News, distracted driving deaths in Idaho increased by 25 percent between 2015 and 2016.
The state passed a law against texting in 2012 but it doesn’t ban using other smartphone apps while in the driver's seat. In the 2018 legislative session, a measure to broaden the law failed to get through a senate committee.
Hands-free devices can still be used across Idaho.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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