BOISE — April is distracted driving awareness month, and the Idaho Transportation Department is reminding drivers to stay alert behind the wheel.
About 60 law enforcement agencies across Idaho are increasing patrols through April 15 to reduce texting, scrolling and other risky behaviors.
Drivers can help by putting their phones away, activating “Do Not Disturb” and checking March Madness scores before they hit the road.
ITD says phone distractions consistently rise during major sporting events, including March Madness.
“The constant fear of missing out pulls our attention to the phone screen, and too often that screen is in a driver’s hand,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager with the Office of Highway Safety. “No score or news update is worth a crash.”
Idaho law prohibits using a cell phone while driving, including during brief stops at traffic signals or stop signs.
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