While the weather may not seem spring like, it is a time for new beginnings. Soon enough, snow will turn into rain, and buds will turn into flowers, and more drivers will be on the road with spring break and prom coming soon. Because of this, it is appropriate to introduce posts dedicated to distracted driving awareness month.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania have implemented laws prohibiting distracted driving (i.e. driving while talking on a cell phone, texting while driving, etc.) but a recent study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Center for Injury Research and Policy found that many teen drivers still use their cell phones while behind the wheel.
Researchers found that state laws banning texting while driving do little to decrease teen driving behaviors, with nearly a third of teens responding that they still sent and read text messages while behind the wheel in states that had such bans. However, laws banning cell phone use altogether were more effective, with about 55 percent of teens responding that they did not use their phones while driving in states that had such a law.
Yes, texting and driving is particularly unsafe, but it can also have important legal implications if a driver violates a law banning the practice and it is found to be a primary reason for the accident. Basically, an offending driver could be found negligent per se.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights and options. Contact our office at 908-454-3200 if you have any questions regarding personal injury.
