ADOT pushing distracted driving campaign ahead of texting ban

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is re-upping its distracted driving campaign ahead of a statewide texting ban that will go into effect Friday.

ADOT introduced the “Distracted Drivers Terrify Me” campaign in October in an effort to educate people about the dangers of texting and driving before enforcement of Arizona’s hands-free law — HB 2318 — was set to begin Jan. 1.

“There’s no good reason to text and drive,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said in a press release. “Plenty of people think they’re excellent drivers and they can multitask behind the wheel. They’re all wrong.

“Frankly, people become dangerous drivers when they shift their attention from the road ahead to the tiny screen on their phone. Distracted driving must stop.”

Once enforcement begins, a first violation will result in a fine between $75 and $149. Further violations could end in fines of up to $250.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation in April 2019 banning the use of handheld mobile devices for drivers who aren’t using hands-free mode.

About 10,500 drivers in Arizona in 2019 were involved in crashes due to distracted driving, according to ADOT.

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