Washington warns against filming crash scenes

The Washington State Patrol is cracking down on drivers filming accident scenes, citing it as a form of distracted driving. This behavior causes traffic congestion and increases the risk of secondary crashes, potentially more serious than the original incident. Washington's hands-free law is clear: if you're behind the wheel, your phone should not be in your hand. The law applies even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. Violating the law can result in a ticket. Distracted driving is a serious issue in Washington, contributing to 30% of fatalities and 23% of serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions. In 2024, the Washington State Patrol stopped over 28,000 drivers for distracted driving. The first offense for using a personal electronic device while driving is a $136 ticket. A second offense within five years will cost at least $234. "Dangerous distraction," such as eating a cheeseburger and driving erratically, can net an additional $99 fine. The rise of distracted driving has prompted Washington to enact strict laws, including the "E-DUI" law, treating phone use like driving under the influence. This law allows officers to pull drivers over solely for holding a phone.