The law forbids virtually all use of handheld gadgets such as phones, tablets, laptop computers and gaming devices while driving. The law takes effect July 23, 2017.

• Q. When does the law take effect?
• A. July 23.

• Q. What will be banned?
• A. Texting is already illegal, as is holding a cellphone at the ear. Drivers constantly flout those rules, or evade them by holding a phone between the legs, or just below the chin.
  The new law forbids handheld uses, including composing or reading any kind of message, picture or data. Photography while driving is illegal.
  Drivers also cannot use handheld devices while at a stop sign or red-light signal.

• Q. What is still legal?
• A. Drivers may still use a smartphone mounted in a dashboard cradle, for instance, to use a navigation app, but not to watch video. The new law permits “minimal use of a finger” to activate an app or device.
  Built-in electronic systems, such as hands-free calling and maps, remain legal.
  Handheld devices may be used if the driver has pulled off the roadway or traffic lanes, where the vehicle “can safely remain stationary.”

• Q. What are the penalties?
• A. The standard traffic fine of $136 would double to $235 on the second distracted driving citation.

• Q. Is DUIE a primary offense?
• A. Yes. A police officer can pull someone over just for using a handheld device.

• Q. Will a ticket raise my insurance rates?
• A. Probably.

• Q. What about other kinds of distractions?
• A. Miscellaneous distractions such as grooming or eating will be a secondary offense, meaning a ticket may be issued if a law-enforcement officer pulls you over for some other offense, such as speeding or a dangerous lane change. The penalty will be an extra $30.

Family Fun Day was a great day for all in attendance. 

Photos by Joyce, SE Thurston Fire Authority

Come one, come all to a FREE day filled with fun, food, and community. There is something for everyone… from a bounce house, to a large slide, and a dunk tank, too… balloons for the kids and even a petting zoo… free snow cones, free popcorn, free hot dogs galore… featuring live music, carnival games, prizes and more… with public services including fire & police departments, military display & community info.

Not including boating incidents, on average about nine people die from drowning every day in the United States, according to Injury Facts 2017 the annual statistical report on unintentional injuries produced by NSC.

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Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. Every year, about 300,00 children pay a visit to the emergency room because of bike injuries. These injuries vary in severity from sprains and broken bones, to serious head injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85 percent. Wearing a helmet doesn’t give you a license for recklessness, but it will provide you some protection for your head and brain in case you fall down.

Helmet tips

• “Helmets are a necessity, not an accessory.” If you’re shopping for a bike helmet for your child, go pick it out as a family, and make sure it’s one they really like. If they like it, they are more likely to want to wear it.
• Your helmet should have a sticker that says it meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Your bike helmet should fit you properly. You don’t want it too small, or too big. Never wear a hat under your helmet.
• When you put the helmet on, you should have only two fingers between the eyebrows and the front brim of the helmet. You should be able to look up and see the front of the helmet.
• The straps of the helmet should make a ‘Y’, coming together just below the ears.
• When your helmet is buckled, you should be able to open and close your mouth comfortably.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays. But along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms – especially during July.

In 2016, at least four people died and about 11,100 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, thousands were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

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