There are times when a warning can be as useful as a ticket in terms of modifying individual behavior. However, SPD is making a mistake in this case. Everyone already knows they should not use their mobile devices while driving, they just don't care. 

As Massey acknowledges, "once the surprise and newness wears off, people will go back to using them.” There's a small window to build public awareness, to hit enough people with the fine that they broadcast the risk to everyone else via social media. Also, ticketing the scofflaws allows escalation for repeat offenders.

Local law enforcement, please ticket every offender. These people are putting lives at risk every day. Give them a few hundred reasons to change their behavior.