Mobile phones seem to be an ever-present accessory wherever we go. Always at our fingertips, we depend on them to communicate with friends and family, stay updated on current events, and do a host of other activities. Yet, when we choose to use our phones behind the wheel, we are endangering the lives of those around us.
Texting and other driver distractions claim an estimated nine lives and cause more 1,000 injuries in the United States every day. Even with increased awareness about the risks of texting while driving, distracted driving accidents are on the rise every year. It can be difficult to resist the urge to read or send a text while driving. Yet, making the commitment to avoid distracted driving may just save a life.
How Distractions Impact Driving
While cell phones are perhaps the most common distraction preventing drivers from paying attention, many other distractions are equally as dangerous. There are three types of driving distractions:
- Cognitive: Things that engage your mind and take it off the act of driving, such as worrying about work or family issues, or even listening intently to an audio book or podcast
- Manual: When the driver takes both hands off the wheel to eat, change the radio station, pick up something that has dropped, or apply makeup
- Visual: These distractions take the drivers eyes away from the road ahead, such as when they turn to talk to passengers, adjust a child’s seat belt, or glance at the GPS
It is a common misconception that a driver needs to be distracted for a long period of time for a crash to occur. It only takes two to three seconds of texting and driving to cause a serious or fatal car wreck.
Alabama Distracted Driving Laws
Alabama’s laws regarding cell phone use while driving are comparable to those in other states. Novice drivers aged 16 and 17, who are licensed for less than six months, are not permitted to use handheld cell phones while driving. Tickets for handheld phone use is two demerits on the driver’s record and a fine. Texting and driving is completely prohibited for drivers of all ages and comes with a fine and points on the driver’s record for each violation.
Preventing Texting and Driving Accidents
If you have trouble ignoring your phone while driving, try a mobile app that shuts down messaging when the car is being operated. Take a few moments to respond to calls, emails, and texts before you start the car. A text is never worth the risk.
Huntsville Car Accident Lawyers at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. Fight for Victims of Distracted Driving Crashes
It only takes a few seconds of distraction for a driver to cause a devastating wreck. Huntsville car accident lawyers at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. carefully review the details of your accident, discuss all of the legal options available to you, and guide you through the personal injury claim process. They are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve for your pain and injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 256-539-3110 or contact us online. Based in Huntsville and Athens, Alabama, we represent clients throughout north Alabama, Madison County, Limestone County, Marshall County, Jackson County, Morgan County, and Lauderdale County.
