BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A new survey finds that distracted driving in Whatcom County increased by 50% over the past year.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission says its research found that 12.3% of drivers drove distracted last year, up from 8.1% in 2021.

The commission defined driver distraction as any activity that diverts full attention and engagement from the task of driving.

Whatcom County has the fifth-highest rate in the state, behind Clark, Cowlitz, Stevens and Walla Walla counties.

A first-time offense of distracted driving draws a $136 fine and repeat offenses increase to a $236 penalty.