against state law

The Washington State Patrol says it plans to "vigorously enforce the state's new law against sending text messages while driving," now that the law is in effect.

"Texting while driving was always a bad idea," said State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. "Things happen too fast on the highway to take your eyes off the road long enough to read or type a message."

Because texting while driving is a secondary violation, troopers cannot stop drivers if they see it occurring. But it could mean drivers end up with two tickets instead of just one.

"When we see other driving errors, such as weaving or unsafe lane changes, we will not hesitate to write a second citation under the texting law if that contributed to the first violation," Batiste said.

If a text message or cell phone call requires immediate attention, you should pull safety off the road. Handle the matter, and then get back on the road when you can give driving your full attention.

It's also time to start shopping for a hands-free device to use when talking on a cellular phone. The law requiring hands free devices goes into effect on July 1, and will be enforced with similar vigor, the patrol says.