According to a recent AAA survey 87% of people believe texting or emailing while driving is a very serious threat to causing driving safety, second only to drunk driving at 90%.  Most people (95%) also believe texting or emailing while driving is unacceptable.  As a Kirkland Car Accident lawyer I have many clients who have seen the danger become reality.

Washington state outlawed texting while driving this year.  Unfortunately, police cannot pull you over and ticket for texting alone.  Police have to have another reason for pulling you over, like speeding or illegal lane change, before they can ticket you for texting.  This requirement has minimized the deterrent effect of the law.  As long as you're not breaking any traffic laws you are basically allowed to text or email while driving. 

The law should be strengthened so police can pull you over for texting alone.  However, I fear it will take a tragedy that gains media attention and inflames public opinion before any change to the law will be made.  In the meantime you can expect more Washington car accidents to be caused by drivers distracted by text and email messaging.