Drivers today have smartphones, tablets, and other devices in their vehicles. While it’s not a good idea to use these devices while driving, many people end up checking a text or making a phone call, causing their attention to be somewhere other than the road. Drivers not paying attention to the road and what’s going on around them are more likely to cause an accident, so the Anti-Distracted Driving Act was created to prevent this from happening.
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Reason for the Act
Many people will suffer injuries after a car accident, sometimes life-threatening or permanent injuries. Since distracted driving leads to an increased chance of being in an accident or causing an accident, the goal of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act and the reason for its creation is to stop drivers from doing things that will take their attention away from what’s going on around them on the road. The act is aimed at curbing the use of electronics while driving, helping to keep drivers safer by making sure they’re paying attention at all times. When drivers are paying attention to the road, they’re less likely to end up causing or being in an accident, keeping everyone on the road safer.
What is Prohibited?
The act prohibits making or receiving phone calls, texting or reading texts, chatting in other formats, playing mobile games, browsing the internet, and watching videos or movies while operating a vehicle. This act does cover a wide range of vehicles, including non-motorized vehicles like bicycles. It only covers electronic devices and does provide some exemptions for drivers, mentioned below. Drivers who are caught using an electronic device while driving, whether the vehicle is in motion or they’re stopped at a red light, are at risk of receiving a ticket and being required to pay a fine.
Exemptions for the Act
Exemptions to the act include making emergency calls to authorities or when there is a risk of personal safety or security. If someone sees a car accident or notices a fire, they can contact the authorities using a mobile phone while driving. Other exemptions include using hands-free applications to make and receive phone calls or texts, as this doesn’t require the driver to have the phone in their hand.
The phone cannot be in the driver’s line of sight, so it cannot be mounted on the steering wheel or dashboard, even if hands-free applications are being used. Drivers are able to use smartphones for GPS while driving, provided the device does not obstruct their view. They may not use the device to find alternate routes while driving, however. If interaction with the app is required, the driver should pull over, interact with the app, and then get back on the road safely.
The main goal of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act is to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents. Drivers must adhere to the regulations within the act whenever they’re driving to help prevent accidents and make sure they are aware of what’s going on around them while driving. Any driver or passenger who is in an accident because of a distracted driver may be able to receive compensation for their injuries. When this applies, speaking with an attorney right away is a good idea. The attorney will help their client obtain the right amount of compensation to financially recover from the accident.
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