Poll: Washingtonians OK Fines for Texting While Driving

Although the number of Washingtonians who text message while driving has increased, a recent poll indicates that the majority (83 percent of drivers surveyed) either support the fines for enforcing the new no-texting law, or think they should be even higher.

According to a poll by PEMCO Insurance, opinion among Washington drivers is divided when it comes to the cost of committing a texting offense while driving. Forty-four percent of those surveyed said the $124 fine for texting is fair, while about 40 percent said the offense is serious enough to warrant a higher fine. Just 11 percent of those polled felt the $124 fine was too high.

"The latest data shows that the vast majority of Washington drivers recognize the danger of texting while driving, and that's encouraging. We were surprised to learn that four in 10 drivers think the fine should be even higher," said PEMCO spokesman Jon Osterberg.

Poll data shows that younger drivers age 35 years or less think a $124 ticket is too high for a cell phone offense.