The state’s new Distracted Driving law went into effect on July 23, but as you’ve probably noticed, it can be hard to stop the urge to immediately reach for the phone when you hear the ring, chirp or vibration for an incoming text, call or social media post.
To help people resist the temptation to interact with their phones behind the wheel, AAA recommends turning off your cellphone, putting it where you can’t reach it or using a signal-blocking cellphone bag. AAA has partnered with MAPFRE Insurance to offer free signal-blocking cellphone bags to people who pledge to drive distraction-free.
Starting Friday, Sept. 1, members and non-members can receive the bag when they come in to any AAA store in Washington and northern Idaho and sign a pledge to drive distraction-free. The promotion will run through the month of September or as long as supplies last. For AAA store locations, go to aaa.com.
“Our goal is to save lives by getting people to stay focused on their driving and to give them a good option for putting their phone away when in their car,” said Dan Coon, AAA traffic safety manager.
The bag works by blocking the cellphone’s signal similar to being turned off, it will not receive calls or text messages, reducing the temptation to look at your phone. Once the cellphone is taken out of the bag and receives a signal again, it will show any received text or voicemail alerts.
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