(Independence, Oregon) — This April, the Independence Police Department is proud to announce its participation in Distracted Driving Enforcement Month, joining law enforcement agencies nationwide in a concerted effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. This month, the Independence Police Department will be actively enforcing distracted driving laws to ensure the safety of all road users. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or holding a mobile communication device in their hand.

Distracted driving has become a pervasive issue on roadways across the country, posing significant risks to both drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019 alone. As a result, law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to combat this alarming trend and promote safer driving habits.

In March, as part of our speed enforcement campaign, the mean average speeding ticket was 15 mph over the speed limit, with the fastest being 56 in a 35-zone. Officers wrote 28 speeding tickets and issued 13 warnings; 12 speeding tickets were written in school zones.

The Independence Police Department encourages all drivers to commit to distraction-free driving and prioritize safety on the road. By working together, we can make our streets safer for everyone.

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