Sean Donaldson of the Vancouver Police Department discussed the dangers of distracted driving and also offered tips from Target Zero on how to address dangerous situations with peers

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

Heritage High School students were engaged, thoughtful, honest, and curious to learn more Wednesday when a Vancouver Police Department officer visited their class to discuss the dangers of distracted driving.

Sean Donaldson of Vancouver PD offered his insights and gave details of his experiences as a traffic officer. He has seen first-hand the consequences of distracted driving.

He gave a description of just how far one can travel at 35 miles per hour while reading a text message, for example, for just four or five seconds.

Most of the students, all in Katie Suksdorf’s Associated Student Body class at Heritage High School, acknowledged they have been distracted while driving or witnessed a friend who was distracted while driving.

The class was reminded that there are many ways to be distracted, and distracted driving is a serious problem for all age groups in the driving public, not just young people.

Heritage student leaders got the message, though, and promised to keep the discussion going with their friends beyond Wednesday’s classroom meeting. They want to make a positive change in driving habits.

“Just because texting and driving is really common, it doesn’t have to stay that way,” said Loreli Medina, ASB president at Heritage. “We can leave that as an older-generation thing. It would be really powerful if young leaders, such as ourselves, change that and make it uncommon.”

Donaldson asked the class why a phone is such a distraction when they are driving or riding in a car.

Social media notifications.

Text messages.

Music.

One student simply said addiction.

A driver hears the sound effect of a notification and curiosity can take over, pulling the driver’s attention away from the road.

Donaldson was at Wednesday’s class as part of Target Zero. That is the state’s safety campaign with the goal of having zero deaths on Washington’s roadways by 2030. Target Zero also had tips on reducing distracted driving.

Passengers have the right to speak up. Their safety is on the line, as well. Target Zero officials also understand it can be difficult for anyone, let alone teens, to criticize a friend. So Target Zero gave some examples of how to approach a delicate subject:

Speak up. If you’re riding with someone who is distracted while driving, ask them politely to put away their phone. It might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it’s important. Here’s how to do it. 

1. Show them you care: Be clear that your driver’s safety is important to you.
2. Stay calm: Be clear and direct, without getting angry or agitated.
3. Be confident: Acknowledge the dangers of distracted driving.

An example of a conversation starter: “Can I send that text for you or help find a spot to pull over? Distracted driving is really dangerous and I want to make sure we stay safe.”

Camila Herrera-Malvaez said she and her friends have used those techniques.

“Bro, I can text back for you,” she said.

Herrera-Malvaez said she has noticed drivers of all ages on their phones when she is on the road. And there are times she feels pressured to answer her phone when her parents call.

Wednesday’s discussion, she said, is a good reminder that it is OK to tell loved ones why she didn’t answer the phone immediately. A loved one will understand if it takes a few minutes to respond in order to pull over to find a safe place to return a call or text.

“It’s a refresher,” she said of Wednesday’s presentation. “It’s definitely eye-opening.”

Omar Ramirez acknowledged he had not really thought about distracted driving much until Donaldson’s talk. But as the officer was describing situations, Ramirez realized he had witnessed all kinds of suspect actions.

“You start to remember all the times,” Ramirez said.

“I learned a lot from what the officer said. What are the consequences if it did happen? One second looking down at your phone, is it worth killing someone else or hurting yourself? Be careful, take care of yourself and other people while on the road.”

Suhayb Quddus, the ASB communications director, said he remembers catching a ride with older friends when he was a sophomore. He felt uncomfortable, at times, when the driver was more concerned about the music than the road. He said he did speak up, even though it was difficult.

He also said he remembers the “horrific” videos and images he saw of car crashes while he was taking driver’s education. He knows a lot of people think that looking at a phone is “only” for a second or two.

“That quick second can turn into you being in the hospital for days. Even months. That second can turn into a horrific scene that you don’t want anybody else to watch,” Quddus said. “I’m definitely bringing this up to my friends. It can happen in a snap.”

Medina said it has been more than a year since she took driver’s ed, so she appreciated Donaldson’s message on Wednesday.

“Having that constant reminder helps you think about it more,” Medina said. “I think people should have more constant reminders.”

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission launched a new campaign in April, which is Distracted Driver Awareness Month. There is a 30-second video that demonstrates how much the road can change in a short amount of time and reminds drivers to maintain their focus on driving.

“Unfortunately, drivers who get away with using their phone while driving are more likely to do it again. We don’t want the consequences to be tragic when their luck runs out.” said Mark McKechnie, external relations director at WTSC. “In 2023, 136 traffic fatalities in Washington involved a distracted driver. People tend to underestimate these kinds of risks, so the new campaign illustrates just how much can change on the road in the blink of an eye.” 

Distracted driving is a violation of Washington’s Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) law, which states drivers may not hold cell phones or watch videos while they are driving, stopped in traffic, or at a stop light. Hands-free use is limited to a single touch of the device. The first violation results in an E-DUI ticket that costs drivers $136. If the driver receives a second ticket within five years, the fine increases to $234. (Donaldson also reminded the students that insurance rates can skyrocket after a ticket, as well.)

To see the video and other tips to avoid distract driving, go to: https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/distracted-driving/