By Staff Reports

(LĪHU’E) – The Kaua’i Police Department is increasing enforcement of Hawai’i’s distracted driving laws in support of “National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.”

“Our hope is that drivers will commit to distracted-free driving for their own safety and the safety of their passengers and fellow motorists,” stated Assistant Chief Roy Asher of the Patrol Services Bureau. “For those that choose not to follow the law, officers will be stepping up enforcement.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 3,328 people were killed in the U.S. in distracted driving crashes in 2012.

The National Safety Council reports that texting or emailing while driving is the most dangerous type of distraction, and a driver is 23 times more likely to get into a crash if texting while driving.

In 2013, Kaua‘i police issued 999 citations to motorists who were caught using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. The state Department of Transportation reports that 18,648 distracted driving citations were issued statewide by Hawai‘i county police departments during Federal Fiscal Year 2013.

Police remind motorists that “distracted driving” is any type of activity that could divert a driver’s attention, such as talking on the phone or to other passengers, grooming, eating, or drinking while driving.

“While not all of these activities are illegal, they are all dangerous for a motorist to be doing while operating a vehicle,” warned Assistant Chief Asher.

 For facts and other information on the dangers of distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.