Del. uses grant to target distracted driving

    The state of Delaware is using a $900,000 federal grant to crack down on drivers who use a cellphone while behind the wheel.

    The News Journal of Wilmington reports that the first of three waves of enforcement began this week.

    Officers from more than 40 law enforcement agencies will be specially focused through Nov. 20 on distracted driving enforcement, searching for drivers who have phones pressed against their ear.

    The use of handheld cellphones while driving is against the law in Delaware. Police have issued nearly 10,000 citations so far this year.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    The first infraction carries a $50 fine, but subsequent violations are more costly.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal