Grant County Law Enforcement has recently been awarded grant funding to help combat distracted driving through educational efforts and enforcement.  

“Many people are under the impression that distracted driving isn’t really that big of a deal; however 1.6 million crashes are caused each year by distracted driving in the United States,” said Sheriff Nate Dreckman.

The grant period runs from October 2015 through April. During this time law enforcement officers will work to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving by providing informational brochures and other information.  The enforcement efforts will focus on observed distracted driving behaviors (as well as other observed violations) related to Chapter 346.89 of state statutes, which state that no driver “may be engaged or occupied with an activity, other than driving the vehicle, that interferes or reasonably appears to interfere with the person’s ability to drive the vehicle safely.”

State statutes specifically ban “composing or sending an electronic text message or an electronic mail message” while driving. The statute also prohibit drivers with learner’s permits or probationary licenses from using cellphones while driving except in an emergency.

The goal within the grant period would be to have motorists in Grant County work to eliminate distractions while driving, especially in teen drivers, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office news release. Any electronic device should be placed in a location so that it doesn’t distract the driver.