Distracted driving has become one of the most common reasons for vehicle crashes on America’s roads. That’s why the Burns Police Department is teaming up with the Hines Police Department, the Burns Paiute Tribal Police, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and Harney County Safe Communities Coalition for the national U Drive — U Text — U Pay high-visibility enforcement effort and Distracted Driving Awareness Month education and awareness.

During the week of May 14, officers will be on high alert to educate distracted drivers and enforce distracted-driving laws. As a reminder, distracted driving is more than just using cellphones. It can be anything that takes your mind off of driving.

On Monday, May 14, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., the public is invited to come down to the King’s parking lot and talk with representatives from Harney County Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement about distracted driving. There will be a display about Lexi Therwhanger and the car that she crashed as a result of driving distracted.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2016, 3,450 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Nearly one-tenth of all fatal crashes in 2016 were reported as distraction-affected. Texting while driving has become an especially problematic trend among millennials. According to NHTSA, young drivers (16 to 24 years old) have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007.

Harney County law enforcement wants people to understand how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and concentration off the task of driving safely. It only takes a moment for a child to run into the street or for you to drive through a traffic control device or cross the center line and crash, potentially killing someone or yourself. That’s why during May, in honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, you will see an increased police presence on the roadways. The community will have an opportunity to learn about Lexi Therwhanger, who was killed in a distracted driving motor vehicle accident in Eastern Oregon. Therwhanger’s crashed car will be on exhibit throughout Burns the week of May 14.

Violating Oregon’s distracted driving laws can be costly. Updated in 2017, Oregon’s Distracted Driving Law is recognized as “Operating Motor Vehicle While Using Mobile Communication Device” (ORS 811.507). Under this statute, those convicted of a first-time distracted driving offense not contributing to a crash can face a fine of $265 (Class B Violation) and a fine of $440 if the incident resulted in a crash (Class A Violation). A second-time offense not involving a crash can result in a fine of $440 (Class A Violation) and a third distracted driving offense in a 10-year span is considered a Class B Misdemeanor and could result in a fine of $2,500 or up to six months in jail.

Remember these safety tips as you drive, and spread the message to your friends and family members:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road, it is safe to text.

• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

• Cellphone use can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cellphone in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your final destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous, and getting caught can be expensive and embarrassing. Save face, your money, and maybe save a life — your text message can wait. Remember: U Drive — U Text — U Pay.