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Common Questions About Distracted Driving

At Tabor Law Firm, we have seen the impact a moment’s distraction can have when it leads to a serious accident.  Many people will be surprised to learn that even if they never touch a cell phone while in the car, they engage in distracted driving behaviors that can be a danger to themselves and to others. Here are a few helpful tips on distracted driving so you can avoid some of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that a driver engages in other than driving while operating a vehicle. There are three main types of distraction: visual – taking your eyes off the road; manual – taking your hands off the wheel; and cognitive – taking your attention off the task of driving. Avoid any activities that take away from these three areas of focus.

A driver’s primary responsibility is to operate their vehicle safely. Driving requires coordination of a number of complicated tasks that requires the full focus and attention of the driver. Drivers should resist engaging in any activity that takes their eyes and attention off the road for more than a few seconds. Even a second or two can make all the difference in avoiding a crash.

Are cell phones dangerous?

The short answer is yes. At any given moment, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by drivers distracted by use of a cell phone. Many studies have shown an elevated risk for accidents when a driver is distracted by a cell phone. While dialing a phone your eyes leave the road, and using a cell phone takes both your hand from the wheel and attention from the road. Any action that draws your attention from the task of driving is dangerous, and cell phones are one of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents.

So is a hands-free device safer?

No. Studies show that both hands free and hand held cell phone use distracts drivers and increases the chances of an accident. The driver is more likely to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash. Hand held devices may be slightly worse, but hands free devices are not risk free. Think about it this way: unlike a conversation with someone in the car with you, a person on the other end of the cell phone can’t help you keep an eye on the road. So they may keep distracting you even when road conditions change and require extra attention. This danger exists regardless of the type of device used.

Is it against the law to use cell phone while driving?

This depends on the state where you live. Currently 21 states and the District of Columbia ban young drivers from using cell phones. Six states ban cell phone use by all drivers, and 19 states ban texting by all drivers. The federal government bans texting by commercial truck and bus drivers and has proposed a rule to ban all use of cell phones while driving a commercial truck or bus. Fines for violating these laws range in severity. Because this is an area of law that is constantly being updated, the safest course of action is to avoid using a cell phone while driving.

Tabor Law Firm is an Indianapolis, Indiana Law Firm with experience representing the victims of serious injury and wrongful death caused by distracted drivers. Call us for a free consultation or visit our website at http://www.taborlawfirm.com.

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