Park the Phone! Cheyenne Cops Cracking Down on Distracted Driving
Cheyenne police are working with law enforcement agencies throughout Wyoming to curb distracted driving during the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign.
Public Information Officer Alex Farkas says the department is stepping up patrols now through April 11 "to stop and cite drivers who are texting and driving."
"A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found 3,142 people killed in collisions caused by distracted driving in 2019, including 566 individuals who were not occupants of vehicles (pedestrians, bicyclists, and others)," said Farkas.
"It found texting and driving to be one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving and at any given moment, about 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while behind the wheel," she added.
Police offer the following tips for safe driving:
- 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 and parked, 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.
- Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.