On New Year’s Day, driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone became illegal in the state of Nevada. If you are a driver in Las Vegas, you better think twice before picking up that cell phone while on the road. Las Vegas police and the Nevada Highway Patrol are taking this law extremely seriously. According to a KTNV news report, officials have already issued numerous citations to violators. KTNV’s cameras followed NHP troopers on New Year’s Day as they actively pulled over drivers who didn’t bother paying attention to the new law. Officials are basically looking for drivers whose eyes are not on the road or whose hands are not on the wheel. Motorists in Nevada face a $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $250 for a third.
The cell phone ban to prevent distracted driving has been a long time coming in Nevada. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,474 fatalities and 448,000 injuries were reported in 2009 nationwide car accident statistics as a result of distracted driving. Also, 16 percent of all fatal crashes and 20 percent of injury accidents in the United States in 2009 have been attributed to distracted driving.
Any time a driver takes his or her eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention off the roadway, it is considered distracted driving. This can include talking on the cell phone, texting, applying makeup, eating or drinking, or fiddling with the GPS, CD player, or temperature controls. Even a moment of inattention can result in a tragic car accident. With all of those devices mentioned cell phones are the most distracting devices.
Cell phones have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and it’s common for people to use them while driving. However, using your cell phone while driving can be dangerous and even deadly. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of using your cell phone while driving.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road, and cell phone use is one of the most common distractions. When you use your phone while driving, you are diverting your attention from the road. Your eyes, hands, and brain are all occupied with the phone, which means you are not paying attention to what’s happening around you. This can lead to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making, which can increase the likelihood of an accident.
Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. When you text, you are taking your eyes off the road for an extended period, which can increase the risk of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated.
Talking on the Phone
Even if you’re not texting while driving, talking on the phone can still be dangerous. When you’re on the phone, you’re dividing your attention between the conversation and the road. Your brain is processing two different things at once, which can lead to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making. Additionally, holding the phone to your ear can take your hands off the wheel, making it harder to control the vehicle.
Navigation Apps
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are useful for getting directions, but they can also be dangerous when used while driving. When you’re using a navigation app, you’re dividing your attention between the road and the app. You may be looking at the map instead of the road, which can cause you to miss important information like traffic signals and road signs.
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Hands-Free Technology
Many people believe that using hands-free technology like Bluetooth or voice commands is safer than using the phone directly. However, this is a misconception. While your hands may be free, your attention is still divided between the conversation and the road. Studies have shown that using hands-free technology can be just as dangerous as using the phone directly.
The Consequences of Using Your Cell Phone While Driving
The consequences of using your cell phone while driving can be severe. In addition to the risk of accidents, using your phone while driving can result in fines, points on your license, and even license suspension. If you cause an accident while using your phone, you could face criminal charges.
Tips for Avoiding Cell Phone Distractions While Driving
There are several steps you can take to avoid cell phone distractions while driving. Here are a few tips:
- Turn off your phone or put it on silent while driving.
- Use a hands-free device if you need to make a call while driving.
- Pull over to a safe location if you need to use your phone or respond to a text.
- Ask a passenger to handle phone calls or texts for you.
- Program your navigation app before you start driving.
Using your cell phone while driving is dangerous and can have severe consequences. Whether you’re texting, talking, or using a navigation app, cell phone distractions can increase the likelihood of an accident. By following the tips above, you can reduce the risk of cell phone distractions and keep yourself and others safe on the road. Remember, the phone can wait, but your safety can’t.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Las Vegas car accident caused by a distracted driver, please remember that you have rights. Injured victims of negligent drivers can seek compensation to cover damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The experienced lawyers at Shook & Stone are always happy to offer injured victims and their families more information about their legal rights and options. Please contact our office at 702-570-0000 for a no-cost consultation.
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