CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - Police are cracking down on distracted drivers and a proposed state bill could make that ticket even bigger.
Officers are working overtime this week to put a stop to distracted drivers. They're checking speed, seat belts and making sure both hands are on the wheel.
"We try and make it during a time where we know there's going to be a large amount of traffic out on the road which might mean the morning hours or the evening hours," Sr. Trooper Bill Matson said.
If you're caught with your cell phone right now it'll cost you around $100 but if a new Senate bill goes through, the fine could jump up to $1,000.
Oregon State Police say they stop drivers everyday for talking or texting while driving but say a higher penalty might make people think twice.
"Anytime you begin hurting peoples wallets I would say it will probably get more attention but $110 gets peoples' attention as well," Matson said.
Police say it's not about the money, it's about getting people to drive more safely. "It's trying to educate people of why that law is in place," Matson said.
The proposed bill also calls for new road signs that would warn drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.
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