WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Carr Lanham said this month is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Local police in our region will be conducting extra patrols looking for distracted drivers on the road this week through April 13.

The majority of law enforcement agencies in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan Counties will be participating in the patrol as part of a statewide effort.

Quick reminder that state law follows a single-touch policy of interacting with a mobile device while driving.

The first violation can rack up a $136 ticket that can lead to a $234 fine if the second violation is within five years.