BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Local law enforcement is giving drivers an added reminder to keep their eyes on the road.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Bellingham Police and WWU Police are all increasing patrols looking for drivers distracted by their cell phones over the next week. The campaign is part of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Twenty-two percent of all fatal crashes in Whatcom County over the last decade involved a distracted driver, according to the state Traffic Safety Commission. The agency says 90% of Washingtonians avoid distractions while driving, which it said is still too low.

WSDOT said distracted driving is one of the reasons that fatal crashes in roadway work zones doubled last year. Ten people died in 10 work zone crashes in 2023, up from six deaths in five crashes the year before. In all, there were over 1,200 crashes in or near work zones last year that also resulted in 28 serious injuries.

Other leading factors were impaired driving, excessive speed and following too closely.

Lawmakers passed a law in 2023 allowing speed cameras in highway work zones. Those cameras will begin operating this July.

The increased patrols started Wednesday, April 3 and will last through Wednesday, April 10.