More adults than teenagers allow deadly distractions while driving
Louisiana is attempting to pass laws further limiting cellphone use while driving. Driving adults tend to text more than teens and they allow deadly distractions by children in the backseat.
April 24, 2013
Everyone knows that texting on a cellphone while driving is dangerous. In fact, 39 states have laws limiting or banning the distraction. Millions of car accidents occur each year across the nation due to drivers who are distracted by such things as:-Cellphone use
-Conversations with passengers
-Tending to children in the backseat
-Eating or drinking
-Reaching for items within the vehicle
Contrary to what most people think, USA Today recently reported that adults text more frequently while driving than do teenagers. While 98 percent of adults know it is dangerous to text message while driving, nearly half of them do. According to the AT&T survey, 60 percent of those who text while driving never used to, indicating that adults are getting more comfortable with allowing driving distractions.
Laws in Louisiana
Currently in Louisiana, there are bans against texting while driving motor vehicles and drivers under the age of 18 must not use any types of wireless devices while operating motorized vehicles. State legislators are seeking to make the laws even more restrictive. Police have been reporting that many Louisiana drivers are not receiving distracted driving tickets because they are using social media on their cellphones rather than texting.
The distinction is minor but the laws do contain a loophole for such use. This means that a driver in the state can legally post to Facebook, tweet via Twitter or use other similar forms of social media without repercussion. The new bill, which obtained approval on April 10 from the Senate Transportation Committee, seeks to close that dangerous loophole.
Other deadly distractions
Recently, ABC Nightline News discussed the distractions that children can impose on motorists, noting that children in the backseat are more distracting than using cellphones. A reporter allowed video cameras to record her actions while driving and she was surprised by the amount of time she spent with her eyes off the road. Looking over her shoulder and glancing frequently in the rearview mirror to check on the actions of her young children garnered her a failing grade in driving safety.
Seek legal assistance
No matter how safe a driver you may be, you need to watch out for other drivers. If you or a loved one suffers an injury in an automobile accident, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney may help you obtain compensation for your losses.
Article provided by Murphy Law Firm LLC
Visit us at www.lafayettepersonalinjuryattorney.com