CHEYENNE, Wy — The Cheyenne Police Department (CPD) is partnering with law
enforcement agencies across the state on a traffic safety campaign to help put a stop to texting and distracted driving. Beginning April 4 through April 11, officers, deputies, and troopers are working together to increase patrols to stop and cite drivers who are texting and driving.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found 3,142 people killed in collisions caused by distracted driving in 2019, including 566 individuals who were not occupants of
vehicles (pedestrians, bicyclists, and others). It found texting and driving to be one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving and at any given moment, about 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while behind the wheel.
The CPD says drivers should not text and drive at any time, but if you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, the CPD offers the following safety tips:
Tips for Safe Driving
• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a
safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone
to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your cell phone in the trunk,
glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
