Distracted Behind The Wheel? Yakima Police Say It’s a Big Problem

More than 800 drivers were stopped by Yakima Police Officers during the week of July 2 through July 8 as speed patrols continue. Officers made 857 traffic stops during the week, not as many as the 923 stops the week before but police say they're busy trying to control traffic. 393 drivers were ticketed.

DRIVERS ARE STILL NOT STOPPING FOR RED LIGHTS

The number of red light crashes, drivers who don't stop for a red light was 6 during the week, down from 16 crashes during the week of June 25 through July 1.  A total of 22 collisions were reported during the week.

WHILE OFFICERS WATCH FOR SPEEDERS THEY'RE ALSO LOOKING FOR OTHER VIOLATIONS

While Yakima Police say they're focused on speed and red light patrols the Officers are always looking for other violations including seat belt and stop sign violations. They also look for drivers impaired drivers and 8 drivers were arrested for DUI during the week of July 2 through July 8. Distracted driving is also a big problem as Officers continue looking for those who aren't paying attention.

LOTS OF THINGS ARE DISTRACTING YAKIMA DRIVERS

Police say many drivers in Yakima are still using phones, talking and texting behind the wheel even though it's against the law. They say summer driving means many people are distracted by music, phones, things happening along the sides of the road among other things.

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