It’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Department of Public Works and the Guam Police Department’s Office of Highway Safety are making efforts to prevent distracted driving and improve road safety.

The two agencies are working to push their “Put the Phone Away or Pay” effort to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws.

Distracted driving, which involves cellphone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of driving, is risky driving behavior that endangers everyone on the road, from the distracted driver, other drivers to passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclist.

Distracted driving is preventable. Drivers can prioritize safe driving by keeping their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their focus on the driving. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:

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.
Ask your passenger to be 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.

Public Law 16 GCA Ch. 3, Article 3 §3346 states that it is unlawful for a person to read, write, or send electronic messages, or use or be holding a mobile phone or similar electronic communications device while driving.

Any driver who is in violation shall be punished by a fine of no less than $100 with repeat offenders being fined no less than $500.

However, should the violation have contributed to a traffic collision, then he or she is guilty of a violation punishable by a fine no less than $1,000 and may result in the suspension or revocation of driving privileges on Guam’s roadways.