Texting While Driving Can Lead to Accidents

Texting while driving is a dangerous combination and can cause serious accidents. In Arizona, the laws regarding texting and driving are made by each jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions have laws in place that prohibit texting while driving. Yet, there are many people who still continue to text while they are behind the wheel.

Texting is Distracted Driving

Texting is a form of distracted driving. Distracted driving includes anything that keeps the driver from staying focused on the road. Many different activities can be considered distracted driving. For example, putting on makeup, eating or drinking in the car, reading, or changing the radio station can all take your eyes off the road. Most people think they can easily take their eyes away from the road for just a few seconds. It is important to realize that even just a few seconds of distraction can cause a crash.

Fines for Texting While Driving

Some jurisdictions have laws in place that punish drivers for distracted driving. Drivers who are guilty of driving while texting face fines that typically begin at $100. Higher fines apply to drivers whose texting caused an accident. If you were hurt in an accident that was caused by the texting of another driver, it is a good idea to speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex and require assistance from an experienced lawyer.

Prevent Accidents

It is essential that drivers learn the importance of staying focused on the road. Turn off your phone and place it away from your seat so that you won’t be tempted to use it. If you need a phone for GPS, get a special car dashboard mount so that you can access your phone hands free. If you receive a text while driving, ignore it. Only view and respond to it once you have safely pulled out of traffic and are properly parked. These steps can help to reduce the number of accidents from texting while driving.

Young People and Texting

While texting is done by people of all ages, it is especially popular among Millennials. Distracted driving information needs to be part of every driver’s education program. Additionally, parents should take steps to ensure that their teen drivers are not using their phones while behind the wheel. There are some apps in development and in use that keep drivers from texting. Keep in mind that good driving habits learned today will last a lifetime.

 

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you or someone you know wishes to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney regarding What to Do After a Surgical Error,  or other personal injury matters, call 480.461.5300. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.