6-30-17 distracted driving bill

A bipartisan bill to combat distracted driving has been introduced in the state legislature.   The bill expands a texting while driving ban enacted in 2009 by reflecting the internet capability of modern smart phones.  The bill also increases the minimum fine from $20 to $100.  Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s chief deputy Mark Strand  says thousands of people are involved in distracted driving crashes every year.  “Last year there was 24,000 car crashes related to distracted driving,”  Strand told WFDL news.  “That means one happens every 22 seconds.”   Strand says drivers need to keep their eyes on the road, not their phone.   Strand says law enforcement is concerned about distracted drivers with a record number of motorists projected for the 4^th of July holiday.  “That’s a recipe for disaster,”  Strand said.