By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Centralia police have extra eyes on the streets this week watching for motorists talking or texting on their cell phones.
The hope is to reduce accidents and raise awareness of the potential consequences of distracted driving, according to the Centralia Police Department.
“With school back in session, more people are on or near the roadway and cell phones are definite distractions while driving,” Officer Patty Finch stated in a news release.
The offense can bring a ticket of $124, according to Finch.
Since 2008, the law has prohibited drivers from texting while driving, and required those talking on cell phones to use hands free devices.